Boost for BMX fans at Walsall’s Reedswood Park

Date Published : 01 October 2008

Young people in Walsall have been able to shape facilities at the town’s Reedswood Park after their suggestions for improvements at its BMX track were taken on board.

Walsall Council’s Green Space Services worked in partnership with the Birchills Reedswood Agenda 21 Group to remodel and improve the track and bike fans are delighted.

The £12,500 project at the Bentley Lane park was completed at the end of last month and is part of a £46,000 project which has also seen part of the footpath network widened and resurfaced.

There is also a new footpath linking the entrance of the ash track, as it is locally known, to the park's main footpath network which improves access to its key facilities.

The cash for the project came from the CSG Landfill Tax Committee and an Urban Open Space Contribution from a housing development in Hospital Street.

Birchills Reedswood Agenda 21 Group chairman Chris Jones said: “We were asked by Walsall Council how the park could be improved and the young people in our community suggested improvements to the BMX track.

“Now the work has been done it’s fantastic and youngsters are really making the most of it.

“Our group has found working with Walsall Council an excellent partnership and we hope to see this continue.”

Mr Jones added that he also wanted to thank Burrowes Street TMO for its support.

Councillor Louise Harrison, Walsall Council Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “I’m sure generations of young people will benefit from the improvements at Reedswood Park.

“Well done to the young people who were so enthusiastic about playing their part.”

Dr Ian Carnell, associate director of Cleansing Service Group (CSG), said: “CSG are always delighted to sponsor such worthwhile local projects in the Walsall area. We hope that the young people in the area will enjoy the facilities for years to come.”