A new cycling track is now open in an East Lancashire park thanks to more than £60,000 worth of funding.

The adventure trail pump track in Milnshaw Park, Accrington, is the first of its kind the area, and provides opportunities for people to put their cycling skills to the test.

Nestled amongst mature trees and extensive outdoor space, the pump track is ideal for riders of all abilities and age. The ‘Adventure Trail Track’ is suitable for the very young, perfect for young children on balance bikes, whilst the ‘Intermediate track’ is ready for advanced riders to showcase their skills.

Deputy leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Cllr Paul Cox, said: "It is a wonderful facility that allows people to test out their skills and also progress up the tracks as they become more confident.

"Not only will this new pump track be valuable to local people, it will also attract people from all over Hyndburn and beyond to visit.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Cllr Paul Cox and Cath Holmes at the new pump track in Accrington

The new cycling facility has been made possible following British Cycling awarding Hyndburn Borough Council a grant of £37,500 as part of their ‘Places To Ride’ programme.

Cllr Cox continued: "I am proud of Hyndburn Borough Council and our partner organisation’s achievements to provide a range of facilities in Milnshaw Park over the past few years, especially at a time when our parks have become more important than ever for people to enjoy. This latest addition to the park will provide enjoyment to all who visit for many years to come.”

Local charity, the Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, working with Hyndburn Borough Council have also been awarded a grant of £30,000 from the Lancashire Environmental Fund towards the project with a further contribution from Lancashire County Council through their ‘Connecting East Lancashire’ initiative.

The chair of the Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, Cath Holmes, said: “It’s wonderful to see this pump track finished and to see several partners working together to fund it.

"A fabulous new facility for children and families who visit Milnshaw Park for years to come.

"We’ve seen a lot of improvements and transformation in the park over the past few years – play area, outdoor gym and a multi-use games area – which are all very well used – and now the pump track which is proving as popular.

“Architrail Velosolutions UK have done a cracking job. HGSF thank them and HBC Parks Teams for their hard work and part they played in delivering it.”

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