Bramford BMX track work to begin after teens' campaign

The new Bramford Wheels Pump Track at the village's playing fields has taken a step forward as work begins next week.

The project started when four Claydon High School pupils - Harry Woollard, 13, Liam Baldry, 14, Zack Bickers, 14, and Cody Harvey, 14 - began to try to build their own ramps at the site.

Fellow villagers then questioned why the teenagers were picking up dirt, and it prompted them to launch a campaign for new tracks, with a petition that ended up gathering around 500 signatures.

Their campaign saw them presenting their case before Bramford Parish Council, which later secured funding for the project.

Harry Woollard, Liam Baldry, Zack Bickers, and Cody Harvey, joined forces to improve things. (Image: Amy Woollard)

The work should take between two and four weeks to complete, with an opening date planned in mid-April.

When completed, the site will be fit for all ages to use.

Mum Claire Bickers said: “Last year, a new play area was opened for children up to the age of 12, and our sons, who were a bit older, were not able to use that.

“They liked going out on their bikes, and were using the existing tracks which have been there for a number of years but is not fit for purpose.

“A couple of the boys had started to build their own ramps and some locals were asking why they were picking up the dirt, and so it actually started with negative.

“It then turned into a positive as the community got behind them and we gained so many signatures that they could move forward with getting a better track.

"We are very excited. We never thought when we started the campaign around October that we would get it underway, funded, and completed within the year."

The group is also looking for businesses to provide sponsorship for goody bags on the opening day.

To donate, email clairebickers28@googlemail.com.