Pump track popularity sees second planned for city

A planned new pump track - a cycling course featuring small bumps and jumps - is to be a "destination facility" for Worcester, according to the city council.

The project earmarked for Perdiswell Park would be the second such track in the city, and follow the set-up at Battenhall Park that opened in November.

Councillor Hannah Cooper said the Battenhall Park track had already proved popular.

Perdiswell's larger track would be designed for people of all ages and skill levels, and as well as bikes also allow scooters, skateboards, and inline skates, plus adaptive bikes and wheelchairs.

It would also benefit from Perdiswell Leisure Centre's parking, café and toilets, the council stated.

Cooper said pump tracks were "a great way" for people to build skills in a safe and controlled environment, adding the tracks also played an important role in reducing anti-social behaviour, by providing a fun and healthy activity for young people to engage in with their friends.

The track has been planned as part of a scheme to improve play facilities at three parks.

New play equipment has been proposed for Cornmeadow Lane in Claines and at Weyburn Close in the Lower Wick and Pitmaston Ward.

A new playground with fencing is planned for the Weyburn Close site.

Cornmeadow Lane is set for extra play equipment, fencing and biodiversity features such as a new wildflower meadow.

Both parks would include seating so teenagers have a social space to use.

Cooper said the projects aimed to address a shortage of play provision in areas of the city.

Consultation on the plans runs until 16 March.

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