Donations needed to improve popular Much Hoole bike track

The pump track in Smithy Lane, Much Hoole, was created by local resident Chris Hewitt, with the help of landowner Alan Taylor, Much Hoole Parish Council, and a team of volunteers.

It features a looped sequence of rollers and berms - swoopy, banked turns - for bike riders aged two and over, and regularly attracts more than 60 people per day, including members of the Team GB BMX squad.

It has been designed to suit all abilities, with two tiers available.

Mr Hewitt said: "I have two little lads and I grew up skateboarding and riding bikes, and I thought it would be a good idea to build a pump track.

"We did it on very limited funds, and I myself put hundreds of hours into it, and it's been a great success.

"It's been a huge benefit to the children of Much Hoole and beyond, who have been given an outlet in these strange times. We've even had people coming from Leyland and Southport to use it."

But now work is needed to resurface the track, tidy up rubble on the side of the track, remove sharp edges, install a bench, and plant wild flowers.

Mr Hewitt added: "It needs a bit more regular maintenance, and we are keen to develop the track. There is some land at the back that we can use, and we're keen to hear what riders want.

"We have set a goal of £1,000 for the work, but the more money we have, the better the facility will be."

>>> To make a donation, click hereMr Hewitt is also keen to hear from people who wish to volunteer their time, and can provide wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, top soil, wild meadow seed and turf. Contact him on 07969176412.