PLANS for a traffic free cycle circuit at Hereford Racecourse have been approved by the council.

The 1.5 kilometre circuit is estimated to cost around £600,000 and will be used at grass roots level for school children and young people to develop cycling skills.

The circuit will also support adult participation, training and racing on a challenging circuit, especially for women, where racing on a closed road circuit is more likely to draw more involvement.

Councillor Jim Kenyon, has championed the idea of developing a purpose built cycling facility in Hereford since the idea was first identified during a public meeting in 2012.

The circuit will be funded by external funders.

He said: “This new circuit will not only increase the number of confident cyclists in Herefordshire, but will drive forward cycling participation, club development and promote the development of future talent. We have also seen that these facilities are a great opportunity to develop the local economy as well with major events and new visitors attending competitive events planned as part of the circuit."

Halo Leisure will operate the new facility as an integral part of the Hereford Leisure Centre site. Significant effort has been made to ensure the circuit design fits around the existing leisure facilities without significant impacts.

Alex Haines, Partnership Manager for Halo said: “A key feature of the design is the flexibility to build the circuit in two phases, subject to the availability of funding.

“The preference is to build at least 1km of circuit with lighting and to extend this to the full 1.5km length as soon as funding is available. The circuit will be managed by Halo Leisure as part of their existing operations at Hereford Leisure Centre and there are opportunities to integrate with existing site users such as the athletics track and running.

“The cycling circuit will make use of the parking, changing and refreshment facilities already available at the site.”