THE CITY'S first-ever pump track has finally opened with cyclists of all ages making the most of the new track.

The pump track at Battenhall Park in Worcester opened on Friday (November 1), with the track and all turfing completed following work across October.

Gary Vallance, who has visited over 200 pump tracks across the UK, is delighted with the finished result.

Mr Vallance said: "The track is a dream come true - it's perfect for the riders local to the area.

"It has been beautifully and expertly built, and we've already seen kids here who have never used a pump track before.

"They're enjoying it with balance bikes, scooters, small kid's bikes, and I've seen mums and dads riding with them which is lovely."

Irene Surridge from St Peter's, whose son Max competes nationally in cycling and BMX, is thrilled with the new track.

Mrs Surridge said: "It looks amazing and it fits in really well with the park - it's a brilliant facility for kids to come and enjoy in the area.

"We wanted it for several years, as we have to travel around the country for Max to use these tracks."

The pump track split opinion amongst residents during its planning and consultation stage last year.

Irene Surridge and her son, Max Surridge; 14, who competes nationally in cycling and BMX. (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Surridge added: "I hope that those who were against it can see the benefit for local people.

"I think fear has been a factor - not knowing what a pump track really is."

14-year-old Max Surridge said: "Usually we travel for 30 or 40 minutes to get to a track that's half the size of this, so this is great for my training.

"It's got a perfect variety of jumps and its really smooth - it flows."

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Councillor Robyn Norfolk, chair of Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee, said:

"It’s very exciting to see the new pump track in Battenhall Park open and already being used.

"The pump track is part of our new Worcester Play Plan, as part of which we consulted with and listened to young people across the city to find out what they wanted.

"It’s good to see their ideas now starting to bear fruit, and we are already in talks over a possible second pump track at Perdiswell."

A pump track is a purpose built circuit for bikes, skates and scooters with hills and banked turns.