PLANS to bring a bike park and facility to Great Harwood could be edging closer.

In January 2019, the Lancashire Telegraph reported how Rob Richards set up the Great Harwood Outdoor Skills Track campaign group on Facebook to try and give young people some fun activities in the community similar to tracks elsewhere.

However, organisers have been given a boost in recent weeks with leader of Hyndburn Council Miles Parkinson agreeing that Great Harwood Bike Park can lease land off Alan Ramsbottom Way provided the group can find funding and a business plan for it.

Rob said: "The park aims to provide facilities for all ages and abilities including a dedicated area for beginners, young and old, a pump track for the more adventurous and mountain bike skills area.

“The park will link to the local cycle network making it easily and safely accessible for individuals and families from Accrington, Clayton Le Moors, Rishton and Blackburn areas.

“We estimate the park will cost in the region of £250k and I have applied to the British Cycling Places To Ride Scheme which will match fund up to 50 per cent of the project.

“We will be looking for other grants but hope local businesses will want to support the project given that it will make Great Harwood a destination for cyclists not just from Hyndburn, but all over Lancashire.

“We are currently forming a CIO (charity) and looking for board members who are passionate about providing a facility to boost physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“The current location has been empty for years and this project will make great use of the space for future generations.

“This is a really exciting project to provide an outdoor leisure facility that can be used be everyone in the community, and really put Great Harwood on the map.

“In addition the location is suited as Alan Ramsbottom is a local man from Clayton who rode twice in the Tour De France. In these uncertain times it is important to have positive news and a great investment into the community.”

Miles Parkinson, leader of the council, said: “This is an amazing concept and we would like to see it coming forward, if funding comes forward.”