Funds and volunteers sought to build new bike park

An appeal has been launched to secure financial donations and offers of materials or volunteer time to build a new bike park.

A planning application has been submitted for the park on a four-acre plot near the Green Howards Trading Estate in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The volunteers behind the scheme are seeking organisations and investors to donate materials, volunteer time or make financial contributions.

A target for donations worth about £250,000 has been set.

Louise Raine, who came up with the idea for the park, is chair of the volunteer committee and said: "Together, we can build something incredible for our community.

"We have already been overwhelmed by the support the bike park initiative has already seen and it's clear just what this means to our community."

The mother-of-three told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they needed to move forward "swiftly" once planning was approved.

"This bike park is more than just a recreational facility - it offers huge benefits for mental and physical well-being, youth engagement, tourism and the local economy."

She said supporters would be investing in a "healthier, more active and connected community".

The committee said the scheme could help businesses meet their social value obligations following new public sector legislation announced in February.

Volunteers hope much of the project can be delivered through community-led development rather than being dependent on specialist contractors.

A range of local experts, including planning consultants, architects, ecologists, drainage specialists, horticulturalists and landscape designers, have already donated their time and expertise at little or no cost.

Members of the committee say every pledge of support can make an impact, with 30 volunteers with shovels for a weekend valued at £4,000 worth of labour, 100 tonnes of donated aggregate worth £5,000 and a local contractor supplying a digger for a weekend the equivalent of £1,000.

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