Athletics club saves track after pavilion closure

The future of the athletics track was unclear after the closure of the pavilion

An athletics club has formed a charity to take over the management of its track and save it from closure.

Runners from St Albans Athletic Club in Hertfordshire were concerned for the future of Abbey View Athletics Track after the council closed the nearby pavilion, which had been open since 1971.

The charity, Abbey View Community Athletics Track, has agreed a deal with owners St Albans City and District Council to operate the track and raise funds for future improvements.

The council's strategic director for community and place delivery, Chris Traill, said the deal would "ensure a bright future for this fabulous facility".

She added: “It means the day-to-day management of the track is now in the hands of local people who have used the track for many years and love the sport of athletics."

New pavilion

Abbey View Community Athletics Track said it would fundraise to build a new pavilion.

The previous building was closed after it was decided the building posed a safety risk as the roof was made from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete panels. It will be demolished later.

Ms Traill said: “The enforced closure of the pavilion, combined with the difficult financial climate we are faced with as a council, resulted in some anxiety about what would happen to the track in the long-term."

The council is providing temporary toilets, and changing rooms are available at nearby Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, which is run by Everyone Active.

Peter Poulain, the chair of both Abbey View Community Athletics Track and St Albans Athletic Club, thanked Everyone Active and the council officers for their support.

“This isn’t what we had expected, but we are excited at the prospect of managing the track as a group of volunteers," he said.

“Replacing a 330sq m pavilion building is no small task, so if you feel you can offer help with the design and build of a new pavilion, do contact us.”