New £120k BMX and skateboard track to be built in Padiham's Memorial Park

Senior councillors have been asked to approve a contract to go ahead with the scheme.

The wheeled sports area will be sited at Padiham’s Memorial Park in Park Road. It will replace a 1992 skate ramp.

The move has been welcomed by Hapton with Park ward’s Cllr Alan Hosker, leader of the borough’s Conservative group.

A report to Burnley Council’s Executive reads: “The Council has raised funds totalling £120,000 from a variety of sources for the construction of a concrete wheeled sports area for use by skateboards, scooters, and BMX bikes to replace the existing metal skate ramp that was installed in 1992 and which requires replacement.

“The scheme is part of a larger project to develop most of the facilities provided on Park Road. The project will include the upgrade of the existing ball court (adjacent to the wheeled sports area), repainting and relining of the tennis courts (as part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s capital improvement programme), and upgrade of the existing play area to improve inclusivity and refurbishment of the youth shelter.

“The wheeled sports area will provide a more contemporary and better-quality facility that will provide skate, BMX, scooter opportunities for all ages/abilities.”

It goes on to say the council only received one completed tender, from Clark and Kent Contractors Ltd, to the value of £118,500 (within the set tender budget).

“The council has employed Clark and Kent previously to construct the wheeled sports area in Hargher Clough Park,” the report says.

“They completed the project to a very high standard and it is recommended that this firm should be appointed.

“The ongoing revenue costs of maintaining the wheeled sports area are expected to be modest as the ramps are constructed from concrete and will require little maintenance.

“Some additional time will be spent inspecting the facility and in litter picking.

“The upgrade and improvement of the existing skate ramp at Park Road is identified as a priority in the council’s recently reviewed Play Strategy 2017 to 2026.”

Coun. Hosker said: “This is good news. Padiham doesn’t get much. It’s welcome to see something for the town’s young people. I fully support it.”