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Councillors, community groups, such as Burntwood Rotary gathered at beauty spot Chasewater to drum up support for the pump track. DJ Cutloose from Rides and Vibez popped down to provide positive tunes. A £300,000 investment is now being considered and the project has officially been adopted as part of Staffordshire County Council’s wider plan to place Chasewater firmly “on the map,” marking a significant milestone for campaigners. The pump track will be designed for people of all ages and abilities, offering a safe and inclusive space suitable for bikes, scooters, balance bikes and more. Campaigners are also hoping to include an adaptive track alongside the main pump track, specifically suitable for wheelchair users, as well as a dedicated learn-to-ride area to support new and younger riders. They say the development will greatly enhance health, wellbeing, and recreational opportunities for residents across Burntwood. The project to bring it about began in July 2023 and has received ongoing support from councillors of all parties including Andrew Clissett, Robin Hall, Dave Robertson, Darren Ennis and Jacob Marshall. The group have collected 2,508 signatures on a petition which campaigner Rachel Stackhouse said has helped significantly - earlier this year she set up a Facebook group called 'Let's get a Pump Track built n Burntwood.' She said: " A pump track is not just a facility for young people it's for all generations bringing those connections together both young and old and it looks like it might become a reality in the Burntwood community "The county council is now actively looking for companies to invest in the project, work continues around the feasibility of the site, and the council is seeking interested partners to help deliver the build. "Work will continue with residents to ensure the design fits seamlessly with the surrounding environment and meets the needs of everyone who hopes to use it. "We would really like to know the timescale this is going to take from the county council to make the pump track into reality and are eager for the process to develop as quickly as possible which is why we organised the meet up this weekend to encourage people. "A pump track to give the community some positive impacts that have been clearly noticeable in others all over the UK when these kind of facilities are built." Anyone wishing to support or invest in the track is encouraged to contact Hayley Coles — Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture or Andrew Clissett Staffordshire County Council Councillor for Burntwood North.
