New £85k bike trail is on track at beauty spot

Proposals for a funding bid for an £85,000 mountain bike trail at a Black Country beauty spot were due to be backed today.

The Cycling in Sandwell group is submitting applications to Cory Environmental Trust and Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust in order to build the network of mountain bike trails at Sandwell Valley Country Park.

The new bid comes after a separate bid for lottery cash worth £60,000 last year failed.

And at a meeting today Sandwell's finance boss, was due to support the application for funding.

The council is also being asked to be the lead organisation and accountable body for the project and contribute £5,000 from the parks and countryside budget.

A report to Councillor Eling states that the total planned costs for the project are £85,000 with the group asking for £50,000 from Cory Environmental Trust and £15,000 from Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust.

The aim of the project is to construct a 1.5 mile mountain bike trail in Jubilee Woods, which forms part of Sandwell Valley Country Park.

The report says: "This area is a former colliery waste site and although now developing as a mature wasteland, it remains a relatively under visited area. The project aims to improve and protect the lands as a public amenity."

It is hoped the first phase of the project will begin next month with it fully completed by November.

The report adds: "The work proposed will provide a new recreational facility for all abilities and aims to attract more visitors to the park and surrounding areas, with the increased opportunity to exercise and participate in sport.

The mountain bike trail will be maintained by volunteers, thereby encouraging higher levels of participation within community groups."