New bike track for town

There was a big crowd for the official opening of the Pump/Bike Track in Cae Bodfach, Llanfyllin, a project that was spearheaded through a community initiative.

The facility has opened following weeks of backbreaking work carried out by members of the community who also raised the funds required to make it happen.

The Mayor of Llanfyllin, Cllr Simon Baynes, said: “It was a pleasure for me to formally open the new Pump/Bike Track in Cae Bodfach, Llanfyllin with a great turnout of cyclists, family supporters, onlookers and visitors to the town - and our celebrity guest Tony Skeggs who
kindly provided the live music in the evening. 

“Many thanks to the Llanfyllin Community Initiative for making this possible. Congratulations to everyone who has worked on digging and making the track, raising and donating money and helping out with the launch - they have created something very special which is already giving many young people a great deal of pleasure.

Chairman of the Committee Liam Swain said: “I would like to thank the local businesses for their generous support. Without the support, this fantastic project for Llanfyllin would not of been possible.”

The support involved designing the track and submitting planning application from Lloyd Surveyors. All the excavating equipment from Ridgway Rentals, the stone from T G Group, security fencing from Powys County Council Llanfyllin depot, Pickstock Homes for tarmac, Spar for picnic benches and Llanfyllin Town Council for a grant.

Mike Sleigh of TG Group said: “Regardless of the business support that has been received, I am very aware of the hard work that has been put in by the community in creating the cycle track.”

Mr Swain added: “I would like to thank all the volunteers who levelled the stone and wheel-barrowed soil in helping to construct the track. It has been a truly amazing effort by everybody.”
On a sad note, the committee will be planting a tree in the autumn in the remembrance of Wendy Evans who passed away when she was Chairman of the Llanfyllin Community Initiative and sadly did not see the bike track completed.

Mr Swain said: “Wendy was an inspiration to us all and is missed enormously.”

PICTURE: General photograph from the launch afternoon.