The Parish Council has received the findings of a long-awaited survey commissioned to assess the suitability of the Rec for a proposed village pump track.
A report published as part of the agenda for Monday’s full council meeting confirms that the survey analysis is now with members of the Pump Track Working Group – Councillors Neil Davies and Yvonne Murray – as well as council staff.
No decision has yet been made on whether a pump track will go ahead. However, the report notes that some of the potential locations identified at the Rec would involve land either leased by the Parish Council or owned by third parties.
Councillors will be asked to approve a motion allowing the survey report to be shared more widely across the Council, including with the Wellbeing, Recreation and Leisure Committee, as well as interested community organisations.
Those organisations include the HI Pump Track Charity, HI Green Spaces (HIGS), HI Locals for the Environment (HILFE), and sports groups that use the Rec.
The agenda paper states: “Given that some of the potential options proposed in the report would impact the leased land it is also proposed that the Chair of the Parish Council convene a discussion on this with the landowner before wider circulation, reflecting the need for courtesy and clarity in sequencing.”
The motion also proposes that the survey findings, together with comments and feedback received, are presented at a future Parish Council meeting for “discussion and decision on next steps”.
Site Visit
The Parish Council agreed to commission the survey in November last year, with the contract awarded to Villa Road Earthworks.
Minutes published on the HI Pump Track Charity website reveal that representatives from the charity joined the consultant, councillors and council staff for a site visit on 9 May.
During the visit, potential locations for a pump track were assessed in detail, with consideration given to the advantages and disadvantages of each site, as well as the impact any development could have on existing activities at the Rec.
Locations examined included the north edge near the Spire access, the north-east corner, the east edge, the south-east corner, the south side near the cricket facilities, and the 12 New Road site.
Earlier Criticism
The pump track proposal became a point of controversy earlier this year when residents criticised the Parish Council for not including the facility in its emerging vision for the Rec.
The council had originally planned to present its proposals for the Rec site at month’s centenary celebrations. However, HI HUB has been told the timetable has been revised “for various reasons, the main one being to allow further stakeholder engagement”.
The next full meeting of H&I Parish Council will take place on Monday (15 June) in the Community Room at the Rec, starting at 7.30pm. All Histon & Impington residents are invited to attend to listen to the debates, and any resident wishing to address the meeting should contact the office to request a slot. Email clerk@hisimp-pc.gov.uk For more details, see the agenda pack here.
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