BMX park 'on track for Olympics'

East Kent BMX Club will use the track for race events

A park being created at an old landfill site will have a BMX racing track which it is hoped will be used by riders training for the 2012 London Olympics.

The community woodland park at Broomfield, near Herne Bay, will have the first regional-standard competition track in Kent.

It will also have wheelchair-friendly paths and picnic and play areas for use by the 4,500 people in Broomfield.

The East Kent Partnership is providing £30,000 towards the project.

Open space

"The park will provide a much-needed open space for visitors and the local community," said Janet Waghorn, executive director of the umbrella organisation for local authorities, businesses and the voluntary and community sector.

"The BMX track will also provide a training ground for the 2012 Olympics."

Plans for the park were drawn up following a public consultation carried out by Herne and Broomfield Parish Council.

"The BMX track will draw racers and spectators from clubs as far away as Dorset and Middlesex to compete in regional BMX race events, as well as providing regular practice sessions for local riders," said Steve Bodey, founder of East Kent BMX Club.