EXCITING plans to create a brand-new BMX pump track in Wroughton are one step closer to becoming a reality after funding was granted to the group behind the idea.

BMX Wroughton initially formed in 2016 to gauge an interest from locals for a track closer to home off land at Maunsell Way.

With an overwhelming and positive response, the group of bike-crazy parents set about putting their idea into motion by gathering support from local businesses and other charitable organisations.

Now with a £40,000 funding boost from Crapper & Sons Ltd, made available through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) and administered by Community First, families will soon be able to take full advantage of the track.

Andrew Vodden, the club treasurer said: “We aim to encourage a culture of riding within the village by giving young people a place to congregate where they can engage in something active. My son Jonathan is at the local school and the kids are all super excited about it.”

Fit for all year round, the track would provide BMX bikers a space to brush up on their skills with modern features including banked corners and jump ramps.

It would also be suitable and challenging for all ages and abilities on every type of bicycle.

BMX Wroughton say they wanted to create the new track as the isn’t a similar facility within a 20-mile radius.

It was thanks to their partnership with the parish council that they were able to find a suitable site off the recreation ground in Maunsell Way.

As well as the generous cheque from Crapper & Sons Ltd, the parents group also received funding from the Science Museum Group Wroughton Solar Park Grant, ASDA Foundation, Wroughton Carnival as well as Wroughton Parish Council.

Now that the funds are in place, BMX Wroughton will be working with contractors to finalise the plans.

Chairman, Ben Leach, added: “We want this to be a facility that everyone can use, from total beginners to seasoned riders. It’s really important to us that it has something for everyone.”

It is anticipated that, depending on the weather, the project would take four weeks to complete.

To keep up-to-date with the project visit www.facebook.com/BMXWroughton/