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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jonathan Geddes

Lanarkshire cycle track set to expand as planning permission granted

A Lanarkshire cycle facility is on the right track after planning permission was granted to expand the site.

The Clyde Cycle park in Cambuslang opened last year and provides a 250-metre track along with other facilities for local cyclists.

Now the expansion plans will see a cycle speedway track added along with paths, two modular buildings with welfare facilities, floodlighting and an expanded car park.

South Lanarkshire Council have granted conditional planning permission for the second phase.

However the group behind the ambitious plans are still seeking further funding to secure the expansion.

John Bachtler of the Clyde Cycle Park told Lanarkshire Live: "It has taken much longer than expected to get our three planning applications approved, and we still have some conditions to satisfy.

"However, we can now plan for the start of the groundworks for Phase 2 of the Clyde Cycle Park which will eventually see a 1km track being built.

"This will add to the current 250m skills circuit now being used regularly by clubs and the community. The first stage of Phase 2 is to clear the ground along the line of the track and to provide fencing around the site, which will provide more security and prevent fly-tipping and litter.

"The money is coming from the Scottish Government's Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme and we are very grateful for the award of almost £300k for this work. "

The group are now beginning talks with companies regarding sponsorship, to help cover the needed funding.

Mr Bachtler said: "We still have a funding gap for the building of the track itself, although sportscotland have made a major contribution.

"Apart from applying for further government grants, we will be talking with local businesses, large and small, about sponsorship opportunities and doing some crowdfunding."

Mr Bachtler added that work should begin early in 2023.

He stated: "We are very pleased that, after a tendering process, it is a local firm from Blantyre, John McGeady Ltd, who will be carrying out the work.

"We had a very good kick-off meeting this week to go through the works that are planned.

"It's not a great time of year for doing this work, but we need to spend the money by the end of the financial year."

The group have also been awarded funding by Awards for All and Paths for All to employ a project coordinator to help deliver a range of courses at the site.

The aim for the cycle park is to encourage new cyclists while also serving as a hub for people who already regularly use bikes.

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