PLANS to bring a purpose-built cycling track to Bemerton Heath have taken a step forward after city councillors voted to back them at a full meeting on Monday.

Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council are collaborating to build a pump track on Western Way, near Bemerton Heath Harlequins FC's ground.

Pump tracks are designed for cycling but can be used by skateboarders, roller-skaters and scooter riders and can be accessible for adapted bicycles.

The councils believe the track would enhance local recreational facilities and provide a sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor space, which could reduce anti-social behaviour.

If it goes ahead, Wiltshire would invest £250,000 of internal funding and money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to build the track, as confirmed by leader Richard Clewer.

Salisbury City Council would assume ownership when construction is complete, with maintenance costs estimated at £10,000 over a decade.

The proposals took a step forward on Monday as city councillors voted in favour of approving the project proposal and taking ownership and maintenance responsibility.

Councillors voted in favour of the proposalsCouncillors voted in favour of the proposals (Image: Newsquest) The track would take around 12 weeks to be built after planning permission is granted and the procurement process is complete – and if there are no weather delays.

Cllr Tom Corbin, a Labour councillor for Bemerton Heath, said: “I'm quite pumped up about this. This is one of the most exciting things I've been involved with as a councillor.

“There's a whole cycling community in Salisbury and the wider area who are very excited about having a pump track.

“This is not going to bother any of the residents that are anywhere near to it, and there aren't that many.”

Cllr Caroline Corbin (Labour, Bemerton Heath) also backed the proposals.

Referencing the city council's earlier decision to donate £50,000 towards the restoration of the Broken Bridges nature reserve, she said: “We have had an opportunity tonight to make history.

“To support this is another opportunity to make history. I believe it's great, and I believe we should get on with it.”

But others raised concerns about how the city council would fund the scheme in the long-term and pay for it to be accessible to people with limited mobility.

Cllr Jo King (Conservative, Milford) said: “It seems to me that £10,000 was estimated over 10 years, but surface warranty was only for five to seven years.

“Even if you extend the warranties, the council could have a huge expenditure in resurfacing it. Do we know how much that costs? I can't support it unless the council is covered.”

And mayor and council chair Sven Hocking (Conservative, Harnham East) said: “I'm not convinced there's enough money in the pot to maintain this.

“I'm chairing this, so I'm not going to vote, but I have serious concerns.”