FRUSTRATED bike lovers across the Faithful City said they are fearful plans for a pump track in St Peters might not bear any fruit ahead of a key city council decision on Monday.
Worcester’s Place and Economic Development Committee has been recommended to defer any decision on a mooted pump track at Battenhall Park.
This comes after a public consultation raised concerns the new pump track might result in a spike in anti-social behaviour.
The council approved in principle a project to develop a pump track within St Peters in 2021.
Initial consultation with St Peters and Battenhall Ward Councillors identified an area in Battenhall Park where the pump track may be able to go.
A public consultation on plans had 580 people respond, with 65.1 per cent saying the proposed location was the right place for the track.
However, strong objections were made by those who lived closest to the park, with concerns including noise and anti-social behaviour, litter, and damage to existing green space and wildlife.
People were also concerned about the impact the track would have on those who use the space for other activities such as dog walking.
If a decision is delayed on Monday, officers would investigate further locations across the city, including within St Peters, and a further report would be presented to the committee in June.
Bike Worcester, an organisation promoting safe and accessible cycling in the city, took to social media to voice its concerns.
A statement read: “Bike Worcester thinks pump tracks are amazing and we’re delighted by proposals to build one, or maybe more, in the city.
“It’s pretty disappointing councillors are being asked to delay the project.
“There is a risk we end up with nothing whatsoever, and that is a pretty frustrating position- we’d much rather it just be built in Battenhall Park.
“On the more positive side, the results from the public consultation have shown there is an absolutely massive demand for pump tracks in Worcester.
“We’re hopeful key decision-makers will allocate more budget to build multiple pump tracks in the city rather than just one.”
The Observer contacted Worcester City Council but the authority said it was unable to reply ahead of Monday’s meeting.
