Heywood BMX track opened by the Mayor

Photo: Laura Wild

Heywood BMX track opened by the Mayor

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The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift has officially opened the new and improved Heywood BMX track at Queens Park, Heywood.

Over the last seven weeks the track has been transformed, thanks to the hard work and determination of Yvonne and Craig Mills.

The couple have two children who are keen bike riders and they wanted to set up somewhere for BMX riders to go. Through research and the help of different organisations, including Heywood’s Young Spirit and the Community Cashback scheme, the pair received £18,000 to carry out the work for their project.

Mrs Mills said: “The support we have had for this project has been fantastic. The way the track looks is much better than I could have ever imagined.”

Mayor Swift had a ride around the track followed by keen BMX riders, afterwards he said: “This is a really excellent facility for young people in the borough. The turnout for this open day is fantastic and I am really pleased to see the enthusiasm of all these people cycling and keeping fit.

“Hopefully we can get a BMX track in each of the townships.”

David Robinson, the national chairman of CTC, the UK’s National Cyclists Organisation came to Heywood especially for this open day, he said: “I am stunned with what has been achieved here, it is just ground breaking. This track is going to be massively popular with local young children and also a few adults.

“Places like this are exactly what we need.”

BMX fanatic, Luke Birch, 17, had been at the track most of the day, he said: “It is a really good way of getting people outside more and it is really good for the children.”

Ellen Wintleyates, a volunteer from Heywood’s Young Spirit, said: “I think it is wonderful what has been achieved here, everywhere I have been I have told people what they have been doing, it is a fantastic achievement and something to be proud off.”