BMX club not offered new lease on its base
COUNCIL CITES COST OF WORK DUE TO LEAKING LANDFILL GAS
A BMX racing club will not be offered a new lease on its base, councillors have decided.
Huncote Hornets members used the BMX track at Huncote leisure centre.
The lease expired in 2021 and the council said, after extensive discussions with the club, new terms would not be reached.
The track is on land where gas seeping up from a former landfill has made remedial work necessary.
The council said challenges with the site mean “significant and complex management arrangements are needed to ensure the long-term safety of the site and its users”.
While there have been improvements in gas levels, bringing the site up to health and safety standards would require substantial financial investment, including repair work and fencing.
The council said: “Following discussions with Huncote Hornets, it became clear they do not wish to sign a more detailed lease agreement.
“The council has chosen to reassess the land’s future use due to the budget implications for maintaining the site as a BMX track and Huncote Hornets’ decision not to enter into a more detailed lease agreement.
“A report outlining the various options for the BMX track area will be presented to full council in April/
May, with a recommendation that it becomes public open space.
Council leader Terry Richardson said: “We understand this may disappoint Huncote Hornets BMX Club and its supporters and I want to assure everyone that this decision has not been taken lightly.
“Fixing the site for BMX use would require a significant ongoing investment. With budget pressures, Huncote Hornets being unable to sign a more detailed lease and an expected £4.9 million shortfall by 2028/29, it is important we review how we use this site.”