News
Pumptrack plan makes progress
MORE than 500 people are now backing a campaign for a cycling pumptrack in Maidstone or Mid Kent.
Mountain biker Mike Jordan reg-
ularly travels to a track at Hawkinge and believes something nearer the county town would be a great boon for stunt cyclists. Pumptracks allow bikers of all
kinds to put their wits and skills to the test on a purpose-built track. It can cost between £40,000 and £60,000 to build a pumptrack – plus the cost of the land. Mike (27), from Tovil, initially ap- proached Maidstone Council but was told no land is available, so he has widened the scope to look at sites within 10 miles of the county town. He said: “Having a track near the
town is a big improvement over the nearest track being 40 miles away. Consequently,we will be contacting Ashford Council and Tonbridge and Malling Council to put forward the proposals and enquire whether they have suitable sites.” He said: “Allwe need is a patch of land about 30m by 30m andwe can
work on fundraising and making it a reality.” Mike has approached a number of
developers in a bid to convince them to incorporate a pumptrack into future housing plans, as part of their requirement to provide green space and recreational areas. He said: “Several of them have shown interest and said they will discuss incorporating them into fu- ture projects, so that’s good news.” Heis stillwaiting to hear from the Cobtree Trust about whether there is a suitable space at Cobtree Manor Park, but in the meantime he has set up an informal mountain bike club called Invicta Gravity Riders, with the intention of becoming a regis- tered sports club. The club has been given steward-
ship of the old Red Bull Track that was built in Mote Park in 2010, and has been authorised by Maidstone Council to carry out repairs. Mike said: “This is a positive step
and hopefullywe'll be able to work on improving mountain-biking op- tions and facilities across the county, improving Kent's appeal as a cy- cling destination.”
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Bid to save church organ
ANAPPEAL has been launched to save one of “Headcorn’s faithful ser- vants” – its church organ. The musical instrument, which has provided the backing for nearly
5,000 Sundays aswell as dozens ofweddings and funerals, finally needs an £18,000 overhaul. Churchwarden Anne-Marie Trustram said: “We are keen to hear from anyone interested in helping us preserve this faithful servant of Head- corn Church.” With £6,000 in the kitty, a series of fundraising events is planned and villagers are invited to sponsor an organ pipe. The church is already facing tough financial pressures. In a newsletter,
the Rev Fiona Haskettwarned reserves at St Peter’s and St Paul’s are run- ning out, with savings likely to be exhausted within three years. She has called on villagers to give £10 a year to keep the church in good
repair.
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