Cornwall running track sale plan 'devastating'

A leading athletics official has attacked plans by Cornwall Council to sell off its only eight-lane running track.

Cornwall Council is considering the sale of the track at Carn Brea near Redruth for "retail facilities".

It said if it was sold it would provide track provisions elsewhere.

Simon Vage from Cornwall Athletics Club said such a sale would be devastating for local athletes and the impact would be "massive" for the area.

'Strongly object'

Vice-chairman Mr Vage said: "We'd hoped the Olympic legacy would mean more money pumped into athletics.

"The thought of losing track and field or the leisure centre or both in one shape or form would be devastating to the area."

The council said it was considering selling off the track for retail purposes and using some of the money to refurbish the ageing sports centre.

In a statement, it said: "There has been interest expressed in developing both food and non-food retail facilities on the land within the Pool area and a number of offers have been evaluated.

"The future of the running track is an important consideration and various options are available."

Camborne councillor Jude Robinson said: "We just really strongly object to the idea that money is taken out of the sale of the running track and car park and basically used to plug holes in the council budget.

"If it's sold it should be used to provide leisure facilities in Camborne Redruth and make a sustainable leisure centre and running track provision."

The council's cabinet is due to make a decision about the track in March.