New cycling circuit for East Lancs

Cycling in East Lancashire has been given a huge boost with approval and Sport England funding in place for a brand new 1.2 kilometre criterium circuit.

The circuit will be part of the Steven Burke Sports Hub facility, named after the Burnley born Olympic team pursuit champion, which will become home to a diverse mix of cycling disciplines within the area's thriving cycling scene.

It will be located about half a mile from junction 13 of the M65 near Colne. Local club, Cycle Sport Pendle, have seen huge increase in demand for facilities, to the extent that they have had to introduce a waiting list for under-12 membership. The facility has been brought about through the work of Pendle Borough Council, Cycle Sport Pendle and the newly formed Cycling Development Pendle Partnership.

The Partnership's Chairman, Peter Boast explained: "This has been a match funded project between Pendle Borough Council and Sport England's ‘Inspired' fund along with a maximum grant from the Lancashire Environmental fund of £30k. We are all naturally delighted.

"The project galvanised widespread backing with a visionary approach to include partners and prospective users from all areas within the community, this will be a grass root coaching, training and race venue in equal measures.

"Pendle has seen lots going on in recent years, National championships, Colne Grand Prix and Ride with Brad, to finally have our own facility on the horizon is fantastic news."

Updated (August 12): Today British Cycling stepped in to also help fund the project.

www.cdpp.org.uk

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