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Cash injection approved to save Brighton's historic velodrome

Preston Park repairs will take place after British Cycling banned competitive events over safety fears

Brighton and Hove councillors have approved a plan to inject £300,000 of cash to save the historic outdoor velodrome at Preston Park.

British Cycling stopped racing there in January over safety concerns, and refurbishment options were up in the air until an agreement was made for the funding, which will also be matched with £100,000 from British Cycling.

Thousands signed a petition urging for the work to be carried out and the historic arena, dug out by hand by the British Army in 1877, to be saved.

When the track re-opened at the end of the First World War, the surface was made of cinders, meaning riders who had crashed had to be taken to the club house to have the cinders removed with hot water and a scrubbing brush.

Development director at British Cycling, John Mills, said: "We welcome the decision by Brighton and Hove City Council to commit funding for the refurbishment of the Preston Park facility.

"This is a boost for all levels of cycling in Brighton and the wider South East region as a whole. We look forward to working with the council to prepare a successful funding application and to deliver the refurbishment project."

Councillor Warren Morgan said: "We have approved match funding for the cycle track improvements as a one-off project and we'll also be working with the Friends of Preston Park to draw up a long-term management plan to enhance the park for all its users," he said.

The velodrome is Britain's oldest cycling track, and once the repairs have taken place, it can be used for cycling competitions.

Earlier this year we reported how the campaign to restore Preston Park cycle track slowed down with the staging of a 'slow ride' to demonstrate the depth of feeling about the state of the tarmac velodrome.

Brighton and Hove News estimated that despite the rain, around 300 people turned out for the slow ride which was organised by Rupert Rivett of Sussex Cycle Racing League.

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Rupert | 8 years ago
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We thank British Cycling and Brighton Council for finding the funds to replace the fence and to make the track safe for racing again. We are hoping that the work will start as soon as possible so that we can start racing again next season.

In the meantime this is a shout out to all cyclists that care about this iconic track.

The campaign to save Preston Park cycle track is not over. Much more needs to be done to make the track sustainable for the future.

We urge all parties to join the Open meeting on the 19th October in Brighton at Knoyle Hall at 7.30pm.
PLEASE RSVP http://goo.gl/CnLj7W

Look forward to seeing you all.

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LarryDavidJr | 8 years ago
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Shame it's just the bare minimum, but it's a start, and at least racing can resume.

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EddyBerckx | 8 years ago
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Great news!! Well done to all those involved in the campaigning!!

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