Derby velodrome update

[Tom Butcher]

http://www.derby.gov.uk/LeisureCulture/Sports/Leisure+Strategy.htm

They are still planning a velodrome and short outdoor circuit and looking for input to build up a proposed programme of use and some final design pointers.

[Tom Butcher]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-13011944

Latest news is mixed. From what I can glean the link above is positive but the big fly in the ointment is that the oppostion Labour group is now opposing elements of the new sports facilities on grounds of cost - guess which bit they would scrap. This isn't a big problem so long as they remain the opposition group but Derby City Council is fairly split with a Lib/Con administration and whilst I haven't really looked into the chances of it going back to Labour it wouldn't surprise me if it did.

If anyone wants to help get some kind of cycling facility - if not a full velodrome then at least a decent outdoor circuit or track then please email your local councillor if you live in Derby or else Barbara Jackson who is the Labour group spokesperson - putting forward some kind of reasoned argument or desperate plea - whatever you think is likely to persuade them.

Their contacts are here:
http://www.derby.gov.uk/councilgovernmentdemocracy/democraticprocessesevents/councillors.htm

Given we might be losing Darley Moor for weekend racing next year we could really do with some kind of facility even if it doesn't end up quite as good as is currently promised.

[Tom Butcher]

Been on to the Labour group about their plans for the road circuit if they do scrap the velodrome - which they have confirmed to me they will if they get the chance.

Anyway I asked for a commitment they would not scrap the proposed road circuit and offered to meet them to discuss lower cost options for including cycling in the new sports facilities - the slightly evasive reply was :
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"Dear Tom

It is only the building of a velodrome that the Labour Group is concerned about. I gave our reasons in my previous email.

The Labour Group is in support of the other aspects of the Leisure Strategy.

Kind regards

Barbara Jackson"
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[Steve P]

[Tom Butcher]

All I've been told is that they may be squeezing cycling because they can make more from track days etc.

I always thought cycling was only there because of limits on the amount of motorsport they could host anyway so I don't know what's changed but it came from someone who is part of the Darley set up.

[Steve P]

Barkston Heath is the new Darley then