Gloucester FlyUp 417 fears closure due to 'missing link' route early start

The Missing Link project will cost £460m

Bike park bosses fear they may have to close the leisure facility due to a £460m "missing link" road project.

The National Highways project on the A417 between Gloucester and Cirencester will now be implemented ahead of an agreed schedule.

FlyUp 417 bike park has said this would leave their site uninsurable, despite assurances from the Transport Minister.

In a statement, National Highways said it is working "closely" with the business to "address any concerns".

The scheme will see a new dual carriageway built to replace an accident hotspot.

The work will start in March close to the Air Balloon roundabout.

Transport Minister and Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper said he is confident a solution can be found.

"They're definitely not going to have to close," he said.

"There is a small part of their business that will be needed but I know that National Highways has been working very closely with them.

"I hope we can reach a mutually satisfactory solution for them and I'll continue working with their member of parliament on this issue."

The new route will link Gloucester, Cirencester and Swindon

Lucy Booth, whose 14-year-old son uses the site, said a closure would be devastating.

"It is a place where he feels safe, he feels seen, he feels heard," she said.

"He's supported brilliantly by the staff that are there.

"We would be so sad to see it not be a facility that would be available, particularly for young people when there's not a lot out there at the moment for them."

'Important we preserve it'

Active Gloucestershire CEO Tom Beasley said it is important to have sites in the county which encourage healthy lifestyles.

"We can't afford to lose anything that contributes towards people's health and wellbeing in the county," he said.

"If we lose it it won't come back. It's really important we preserve it."

National Highways said it has agreed to delay the start of work on their land to allow for further discussions.

"We're working closely with FlyUp to address concerns," it said.