Thanks to a donation of £23,500 from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, a pump track in Snodland, Kent, has been developed for the local community.
Snodland Pump Track officially opened in late 2022, with a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by local MP Tracey Crouch and the mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, councillor Sue Bell.
Ribbon cutting by Mayor.jpg – Cllr. Sue Bell, the mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, cutting the ribbon to officially open the new pump track
Located on the grounds of Snodland Community Centre, in Paddlesworth Road, the new pump track – a large track dedicated to cyclists – includes a beginner’s section, which progresses in difficulty as it is followed. On the final straight of the track, there are jumps and different features of varying difficulty for riders to try.
Children using the pump track.jpg – Children lining up to use the new pump track
The project was designed by Stewart Vanns and Mike Finch, from Community Cycleworks, who run the local Snodland Bike Club (SBC).
Stewart Vanns, founder of Community Cycleworks and project lead for Snodland Pump Track, said: “There have been many challenges along the way, but now, seeing it complete, I am just so proud of the team behind the project.
“Every local person I speak to is so excited to see it open, and that it is bigger than they expected. The children of SBC have been eager to ride the track and build their skills.”
Councillor Sue Bell, mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, said: “Snodland Town Council are delighted that the long-awaited pump track is finally ready. We have already seen the track being used by lots of children and adults having an amazing time.”
Dan Mann, unit manager at Tarmac’s Snodland Asphalt Plant, said: “We have been involved with this project from the beginning and most recently supported it through the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund. We are committed to supporting communities in which we operate and are delighted with the outcome, which will be a huge benefit for the Snodland community.”
