Refit for damaged running track

A 40-year-old running track, which had become so dangerous athletes were scared to use it for fear of hurting themselves, has been relaid.

Conditions at the Birchall track, in Leek, Staffordshire, had deteriorated so much cars had been driven onto the track and the nearby playing fields.

The district council has spent £30,000 relaying the track and putting up a barrier to stop the cars.

Moorlands Athletics Club said dozens of athletes were able to use it once more.

David Owen, coaching co-ordinator, said until recent months up to 30 runners would train on the track every Tuesday.

The new track should exist for four years while plans for a sports village, featuring a track with an artificial surface, go through.