FAMILIES will soon be able to cycle around Newbold Comyn in safety thanks to a series of new cycle trails.
Planning permission for the cycle trails and associated hub was granted in May 2021. And construction is due to begin in October to create the trails on a small section of the former golf course.
To maintain access to the park for users and to minimise disruption, the construction will take place in small fenced-off sections over the next few months, with completion expected by March 2023.
The perimeter path of the Comyn will remain open, and every consideration is being taken to ensure there is no impact to wildlife or biodiversity on the site.
Construction of the cycle trails has been made possible thanks to a £423,500 grant from Sport England and British Cycling through the Places to Ride fund. Additional funding is being provided from the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Coun Moira-Ann Grainger, Warwick District Council’s (WDC) neighbourhood and leisure spokesperson, said: “With the recent arrival of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games cycling road race in the district inspiring a new generation of keen cyclists, this is an exciting time for us to be starting work on safe, off-road, free to use, family friendly cycling trails to meet local demand.
“We’re doing all we can to minimise disruption and we appreciate our residents’ patience as work takes place. We ask that the instructions on site are followed and that our contractors are given the space they need to operate safely.
“We look forward to welcoming families to the new trails in the new year.”
While Andy Farr, Head of Business Planning and Transformation at British Cycling, added: “Warwick District Council is doing great work to get more people cycling in Warwick district, so we are pleased to support their efforts to bring the community together and provide a safe space for cycling through Places to Ride.
“We are incredibly proud to see how the fund has already enabled so many people from a range of backgrounds –regardless of age, gender, ability, or ethnicity – to get involved with cycling.”
Charles Johnston, Sport England Director of Property continued: “Sport England is proud to be delivering, in partnership with British Cycling, the single biggest government investment into community cycling facilities the country has seen in recent years. The investment will provide more facilities such as tracks and bike centres, where people can ride confidently and safely as well as access to essential equipment they need to have a go.”
The cycle trails will be completely free to use and will eventually be supported by a cycling hub in the former golf shop to provide cycle hire facilities, a café, and toilets. The hub will bring an important listed building on the site back in to use, preserving and improving its character and condition.
For updates visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/newboldcomynpark
