The circuit opened 18 years ago and underwent a major renovation in 2013. To this end, Sports England received a grant to extend the track and install floodlights and better drainage.
Preston Pirates has over 100 members and describes itself as the largest in the north, having reportedly experienced “rapid growth” in recent years.
A council report detailing the funding arrangement for the work shows the embankments have recently required “regular short-term repairs” which have been carried out by the Pirates. However, the report warns that they will “eventually become too dangerous for use” and says their replacement is necessary for the club and public to continue to use the track. The project is being managed by the authority’s parks service.
The UKSPF is a government pot of money designed to compensate local areas for the loss of regional EU funding. Preston City Council has so far received £5.5 million to support a range of projects.
The Pirates were the second biggest team at last year’s British BMX Championships, with 28 of the 70 riders they represented making it to the finals – and two being crowned British champions in their age group. The club also has riders with world and European rankings.
The club’s website states: “While the club celebrates individual success, it ensures that riders give back to the community through our talent development programs. In addition to our weekly coaching sessions, open track sessions and racing series, we host bi-weekly mentoring sessions where our riders aged 11 and over take on the responsibility of developing the skills of the less experienced – (but) not necessarily younger – riders.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has asked the Preston Pirates for comment on their donation towards the new berms.
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