By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 15:15, Friday, 30 November 2012

A parish council has been lobbied by young people over plans for a BMX cycle track in Longtown.

Paul Brown

The project has been discussed throughout 2012 and is expected to come to fruition in the next year.

Six youngsters attended the last meeting of Arthuret parish council.

They presented their ideas to the organisation’s members, who now hope to take the suggestions on board.

Paul Brown, the council chairman, was happy to listen to what they had to say.

“It was lovely to see them at the meeting,” he said.

“The kids have all got concerns and they are now going to put their ideas in discussions with us.”

Karen Johnston, the parish clerk, explained the details of the plan.

The BMX track is set to be built on the site of a tennis courts off Old Road at Lochinvar Close.

In February, the parish council members agreed to support the idea. Discussions slowed down shortly afterwards but in recent months they have started to regain momentum.

The council has looked for partners to work with in transforming the ground, including the local police and Riverside housing association.

They are looking at other BMX tracks around Carlisle for ideas.

It is likely that the track will be one based around earth and soil as opposed to concrete as they are substantially cheaper to create.

The latter would cost £30-£40,000 while the former around £5,000.

Ms Johnston said: “The young people would prefer a hard track but they are very, very expensive.

“It could be the difference between getting one now and getting one later.”

The authority has been advised that it will not need planning permission for the project.

“We are going to have meetings with local contractors who can advise us on how it can be done,” added Ms Johnston.

However, she also said that this would not be until after Christmas.

She will also be having a meeting with the group of young people before the parish council next meets in January.

The council is hopeful though that work can be completed in 2013.

First published at 14:34, Friday, 30 November 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk