Wishaw Press

Get in gear and support new community facility

Cycle track aimed at teenagers

- Gary Fanning

Plans were this week gearing up to build a new community recreation­al facility for young people near The Venny in Craigneuk.

North Lanarkshir­e Council have been awarded £200,000 of funding from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund to transform the site area behind the railway line into a vibrant community resource, including a cycle track and pathway.

And members of the Craigneuk community are being encouraged to get involved to ensure the success of the project.

The Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGNT) will deliver the project, which will also include improvemen­ts to the woodland and paths in Wishawhill Wood.

The new recreation­al facility is aimed at providing the whole community, but in particular teenagers and young people, with a valuable space, and current plans feature a bike track with the possibilit­y of a pump track as well.

Councillor Kaye Harmon, convener of Motherwell Local Area Partnershi­p, said: “I would encourage people to get involved and have their say on this positive developmen­t.

“Through original consultati­ons undertaken by “ction for Craigneuk the community advised that teenagers felt they had little to do. This cycle track and pathways will give young people great access to their own outdoor space.”

Now the public are being encouraged to have their say on the project.

CSGNT are hosting a series of public consultati­ons to ensure there is interest and demand for the bike track and that the best possible facility is created to meet the needs and aspiration­s of the community.

Mike Batley, developmen­t pfficer at CSGNT, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunit­y to create a vibrant community resource for the benefit of young people, as well as the wider community, and we are keen to talk to as many local people as possible about the currentpla­ns.”

Initially, two discussion sessions will take place at:

• Adjacent to The Venny at the railway bridge Tuesday, August 23, 2pm-5pm

• Berryhill Primary School Thursday, August 25, 1pm-4pm

There will be feedback and further community involvemen­t following on from these discussion­s, with the opportunit­y to be involved in the design and dd deliveryli off thi this projectj t alongsidel id associated­itd events and art projects.

A positive community response to the project will see delivery by Spring 2017.

For further informatio­n about the project, please contact Mike Batley at CSGNT on 01501 824 794 or Mike.Batley@csgnt.org.uk

 ??  ?? Investment Propopsals for the pump track
Investment Propopsals for the pump track
 ??  ?? Pedal power Children using a pump track for BMX and mountain bikes in Larbert, Forth Valley. The track was designed and built by the Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGN) who plan a similar track in Wishaw
Pedal power Children using a pump track for BMX and mountain bikes in Larbert, Forth Valley. The track was designed and built by the Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGN) who plan a similar track in Wishaw
 ??  ?? Wheelie good Youngster uses the pump track similar to one that is planned for The Venny site in Craigneuk
Wheelie good Youngster uses the pump track similar to one that is planned for The Venny site in Craigneuk

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