'Renovate Spalding BMX track' is the plea from a University Academy Holbeach pupil
A boy of 14 has launched a petition in a bid to see the run-down BMX track renovated at Spalding’s Castle Sports Complex field.
Josh Bennett has so far had around 180 supporters for his petition on change.org and hopes to persuade South Holland District Council to act.
He says the track used to be gravel but it has become overgrown with grass, and there’s smashed glass and litter everywhere.
Council deputy leader Coun Gary Taylor says the authority is willing to meet users to discuss ideas for the BMX track - and, although it is regularly cleaned by council staff, any problems should be reported.
Josh says the overgrown track presents problems.
He said: “The grass makes you slow down way too quickly and when it rains the grass turns to slop.
“The glass punctures our tyres and then litter makes the whole place look messy.”
Josh, who goes to University Academy Holbeach, says the skatepark on Spalding’s Holbeach Road isn’t big enough to accommodate bigger bikes like the ones he and his friends ride.
He said: “The only place to ride that we know of is Bourne Woods, that’s the nearest thing, but if we are going out after school that’s too far to go.
“We just need somewhere to ride.”
He said people are always complaining about kids being out on their bikes but renovating the BMX track would give young people somewhere safe to go - and keep them away from the more public areas.
Josh says he personally knows of around 100 people who would like to see the track renovated.
He said: “I know there’s more than that.
“I know there’s lots of people from my school who would like it, as well as the people from schools in Spalding and the Bourne Woods Mountain Biking Group.
Coun Gary Taylor, district council deputy leader and portfolio holder for communities and facilities, said: “We always welcome new ideas and feedback from residents and users of our facilities, and would be happy to have a meeting to discuss any suggestions for the BMX track.
“The track is regularly monitored and cleaned by council staff, but if people do have concerns about litter or other upkeep issues then please report it to us at www.sholland.gov.uk/reportit so we can help.”
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