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The Biketrack in Zurich, Switzerland


Bikerswelcome pump track plan


MAIDSTONE Council is consid- ering a request for a track for off- road cyclists as interest soars in the fast-growing sport. A group of mountain bike en- thusiasts is lobbying the council to build a pump track – similar to the one in Hawkinge, near Folkestone – which gives riders an adrenalin rush as they speed around a cir- cuit.


Pump tracks are considered to be


safer than skateparks and are ac- cessible by a wider range of age groups and skill levels. Mountain biker Mike Jordan


(27), from Tovil, hit on the idea after visiting the Hawkinge track. He said: “Pump tracks are much


more versatile than skateparks and are accessible for people of any age, from toddlers on strider bikes to experienced mountain bikers. “You don’t need any skill or ex- perience – although obviously, the better and fitter you are, the more challenging you can make it.” Mike has set up a dedicated Facebook page, which has drawn interest from more than 350 peo- ple, including the University of Kent Cycling Club and profes-


sional mountain biker Joel Chidley. It could cost between £40,000


and £60,000 to construct a profes- sionally built track with an all- weather asphalt surface. Possible sites include Mote Park alongside the Red Bull mini BMX track, or Cobtree Manor Park. Mike said: “Not many people


have heard of pump tracks, al- though they're popular in a lot of Europe and North America, along with many other parts of the UK.” A pump track consists of undu-


lating terrain and banked turns that can be ridden on a bike with- out pedalling using a technique known as pumping. Mike has already spoken to offi-


cers at Maidstone Council’s parks and leisure department who have said that, provided he can gather enough support to show there is demand for a track, they will try to find an appropriate space and see if any grant funding is available. Mike hopes bike manufacturers


and other related companies will provide sponsorship. To learn more or to show your support, go to www.facebook.com/ groups/pumptrackmaidstone.


Five homes to replace one


PLANNING permission was granted to replace a single home with five detached houses at 48 Lancet Lane, Tovil. Objections were raised by 16


local residents, 34 petitioning neighbours and members of Maidstone Council's planning committee. The schemewas claimed to be


out of character with Lancet Lane; constituted “over devel- opment”; would harm the pri- vacy of neighbouring properties and be contrary to the North Loose Neighbourhood Develop- ment Plan. Cllr Ian Chittenden, a mem-


ber of the committee, said: “Lancet Lane is the only road in this area that has been unspoilt.


This development does not re- spect its character.” However, the principle of housing on the site had been set in August 2009, when permis- sion was granted to replace the existing house with six four- bedroom houses. Although this permission had lapsed, since then a four-bedroom home be- hind the main house, with ac- cess to Sevington Park, had been permitted and built. Cllr Tony Harwood, a mem-


ber of the committee, said: “When you have permission for a number of units that are very similar I can't see an inspector throwing it out, though I under- stand fully the concerns of local residents and representatives.”


Tel 01622 296370 / 07809 556347 Tel 01622 296370 / 07809 556347


447 Tonbridge Road Barmin g, Maidstone, Kent. ME16 8NJ 447 Tonbridge Road, Barming, NOW OPEN!! – Open to Trade & DIY – Trade Credit Applica ons Welcomed


Maidstone, Ke nt. ME16 8NJ


NOW OPEN!! – Ope n to T rade & DIY – Trade Credit Applicaons Welcome d Open Mon – Fri – 7.30am – 5.00pm


Open Mon – F ri – 7.3 0am – 5.00pm & Saturday – 8.00am – 12.00pm Saturday – 8.0 0am – 12.00pm


Call in NOW for Some Amaz ng Opening ers –While Stocks Last! Next To Cherry T ee Pub / End of Queens Road


Cal l in for Some Amazingi Next To Cherry Tree Pub / End of Queens Road


Opening ers – While Stocks Last!


Maidstone Town October 2015


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