WORK is starting on a major biking project which will help revitalise a key area of Newtown.

Funding has been secured by Open Newtown for a BMX Pump Track and a Mountain Bike Trail on Trehafren Hill

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and The National Lottery Community Fund have provided the money for the track and Sport Wales have provided funding for a mile long Mountain Bike Trail.

Stuart Owen, from Open Newtown, said: “This is the realisation of a fantastic project that started two years ago, providing free access to local sports facilities.

“After an extensive consultation, including a letter drop to all residential properties on Trehafren and a public meeting at Trehafren Community Hall, we received over 300 responses to our survey, which had a 95.5 per cent approval for this development.”

Town Mayor, Cllr David Selby said: "I am pleased that a key project, enabled by the town council, has started on site this week.

"There is bound to be some restrictions on walking on Trehafren Hill, while the works take place, but I look forward to seeing the benefits from the new track and walkways soon."

Cllr John Byrne, lead town councillor for the BMX Pump Track said: "We hope the new BMX Pump Track will be something which will benefit residents and visitors alike.

"Along with the nearby Mountain Bike Trail, it's a good example of town council working with Open Newtown to add more to the overall offer of 'Destination Newtown' than each could do alone."

Stuart Owen added: “This project would not have been achievable without the support of Hafren Cycle local members Paul Coackley and Paul Bufton, the continued support of Welsh Cycling, our very own Russell George AM asking questions in the Senedd, along with the commendable work of the Open Newtown volunteers.”

“Through sell2wales and tender invitation, we are pleased to announce that West Wales Trails were successful in tender, offering the best value for money and they have been appointed as the contractor to undertake the work, to commence immediately.

"They will be working alongside our independent Ecologists, Marches Ecology, for the duration of the works, which should last no more than 10 to 12 weeks, weather permitting.”

Work has started this week and some access ways will need to be closed off, for safety of public and contractors. Signage is being installed at all points of entry, to explain the project, providing Open Newtown contact details.

As part of the contract, West Wales Trails will be working with local youths to help with some of the trail design and the construction work. If you have a child who is interested in getting involved, then please email contact@opennewtown.org.uk and you will be notified of the imminent community days.

The construction of the tracks includes berms, switch backs, jumps, tables, a competition starting point and viewing platforms. The BMX Pump Track will also have a tarmac finish, for multi-use small wheeled vehicles.

The plan is to use the tracks for leisure, coaching and competitions. The facilities will be gated bike access and controlled outside of sociable ‘opening hours’.

Part of the project also includes the construction of a new 50 space car park and changes to entranceway, but that is a separate tender opportunity.

Walking Newtown are also involved, to ensure continued pedestrian access around the hill, with the potential to develop a new ambulant accessway at a later date.

If you want to know any more information then please email contact@opennewtown.org.uk or phone 01686 610 777. Offices are open between the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.