'A complete joy' is how one councillor described seeing the number of people using the city's pump track in its first weekend.

There had been some objections to the city's first pump track over issues including anti-social behaviour ahead of its opening in Battenhall Park, Worcester on Friday (November 1).

However, Jabba Riaz, the deputy leader of Worcester City Council, has thrown his support behind the pump track after a busy first weekend.

Cllr Riaz said: "It was complete joy for me, in terms of the number of people using it since it opened.

"I've seen toddlers and all ages using it and it has been designed for all abilities, so lots of experienced users are being patient too.

"Teething issues could emerge but the council will look to assess the success of the track in the coming weeks."

Worcester city councillor Paul Sobczyk, who represents Battenhall, said: "I visited the track this weekend and actually went today (Monday) to have a ride on it myself.

"I saw around 10 children and three adults on the track, and parents watching on, and I think it demonstrates that there is widespread support for it.

"People using Battenhall Park, walking their dogs, are being respectful of those using the track too."

During the track's consultation period last year, objections to the plans included noise, litter, anti-social behaviour and impact on biodiversity.

Cllr Riaz said: "People have a right to raise concerns, but often they don't materialise or there nowhere near as severe as initially thought.

The pump track opened on Friday (November 1) after being installed throughout October. (Image: Jabba Riaz)

"Too much emphasis was put on Battenhall Park being the right place for the track and people said that children wouldn't use it.

"People were pushing this type of agenda and that's a disappointing way to look at it.

On the objections, Cllr Sobcyzk said: "Some of the concerns, such as the archaeology and ecology of the area, were investigated at the time.

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"With other concerns, such as anti-social behaviour, it's a case of seeing what happens and if it does happen, we need to report those incidents as a community.

"It's worth having a fresh think"

Perdiswell has been put forward as a possible location for a second pump track.

On a second track, Cllr Riaz added: "Perdiswell seems a natural area to consider.

"But from an equity perspective I think these should be spread around the city and St John's is a big part of it."