Work begins to build £100k pump track

New grass, wildflowers and native trees will be planted to help the circuit blend in - similar to the one pictured

Work to build a new £100,000 pump track in an east Lancashire town has begun.

Contractors moved on to the site in Longridge's Kestor Lane Recreation Ground on Thursday, and the project is expected to take a month to complete.

The scheme is being funded by £60,000 from Ribble Valley Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £40,000 from the Lancashire Environmental Fund.

A pump track is a small looping trail suitable for bicycles, scooters, roller blades, skateboards and wheelchairs.

The creation of the track comes after a consultation with people in Longridge which found a need for a local wheeled sports facility.

The circuit will be built on an under-developed part of the grounds, along with new grass, wildflowers and native trees to help it blend in.

A nearby footpath, known as Driver's Walk, will be temporarily closed on weekdays between 08:00 to 16:00 GMT to allow deliveries of materials.

Councillor Stuart Hirst, chairman of Ribble Valley Council's community services committee, said: "The pump track is going to be a great asset for Longridge and will provide a fun and challenging place for people of all ages, particularly youngsters, to use and enjoy on their doorstep, rather than having to travel to Preston or Blackburn.

"We hope residents will bear with us during the construction of this new and exciting leisure facility."