Council proposals for Sports Field bike project
THE CORNER PROJECT
The Parish Council is working on a project to build an enhanced cycle area on the village Sports Field in Generals Lane. Currently we have four grass humps in the area close to the corner of Generals Lane and New Road which includes the existing green shelter and despite the limitations, the area has always attracted its share of local children.
Over the past few years, we have seen a massive growth in football acivity spurred by the close relationship between Starcross Dons FC and the Parish Council. Combined with the new changing areas available in the Pavilion we now have one of the best clubs and facilities in the League and a membership of 327 children and coaches plus 87 Senior members competing in the Devon and Exeter Leagues.
But not all children are football players or interested in team games and we wish to cater for them as well with suitable activities. We are all aware of the growth in popularity of cycling in all its forms and this is the acivity we wish to tap. Ours is a modest project. It is a recreational track rather than a competitive race course. It will be built for all ages and with all types of kit in mind – both BMX and standard bikes. It will be available 24/7 and will be a tarmac surface maintained by the contractor.
It is 10 years since the the Pavilion was built and the Parish Council has accumulated funds from many sources – budget savings, grants and in particular Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges. The basic cost of the track is quoted as £ 29,000 with an additional £ 6,000 to cover extra tarmac areas. The Parish Council has allocated £ 15,000 with an additional £ 5,000 from CIL. The gap is therefore in the £20,000 region and we have started the process of hunting down grants with a detailed Business Plan. We feel that with our £20K we will be in a good position to secure match funding from all the various funds in existence.
We need to see the support of the community and we look for written feedback and hopefuly support of individuals and families as well as organisations within the village. One final point. This expenditure does not starve us of the ability to progress other projects. Alongside the bike plan is a project to landscape a section of the Bonhay Play Park and to create a planted zone with new seating and a shelter. We envisage this being a meeting point for older residents and for parents accompanying their children on the play equipment.
We look all the time to improve the village within our capabilities and to put pressure on other agencies when something is not within our authority. AND, you are always welcome to speak privately to Councillors or publicly at our monthly meetings. Check our website for contact details.
