BURY Council has set aside £250,000 to refurbish and improve the athletics track and facilities at Market Street in Bury.

According to the Council, the money will enable the resurfacing of the synthetic running track and the long jump and pole vault areas. It will also upgrade the hammer and discus cage to meet required standards.

In the long-term, the plan is to construct a new health and wellbeing centre, disabled car parking bays, and improve access and security.

Cllr Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Market Street track is well used, with more than 3,000 people visiting the site every year to participate in a variety of sports, health and fitness and leisure activities.

“As well as local running clubs and schools, users include community groups and charities ranging from Wheels for All - a nationally recognised programme for children and adults with disabilities – to Jigsaw, The Ark, Action for Children and Bury Blind and Partially Sighted society.

“The Covid lockdown has shown how important physical activity is to so many people, and how closely this relates to mental wellbeing too. We look forward to bringing these facilities up to date so they can attract even more residents to use them, both for enjoyment and their health.”

The improvements are dependant on matched funding being obtained by Bury Athletics Club (BAC), and investment is being sought from Sport England.

Bury Council currently owns the land, and the aim is to transfer the site to BAC once the refurbishment has been completed.