| We still need a BMX track! |
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After years of waiting a local Councillor has set the ball rolling, once again, to establish a BMX track in Peasedown St John. 
Still waiting: Cllr Hartley believes Peasedown's Recreation Field is the best site for a much needed BMX track.
Designed to facilitate and motivate the younger members of the community, the project was thrown out a number of years ago after Peasedown’s Parish Council, acting on behalf of the CISWO (Coal Industry Sports and Welfare Organisation), did not permit the track to be built on the local Recreation Field – the favoured site.
Cllr Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown) was amoung villagers who, in 2005, were told a BMX track would not be allowed. Nathan commented: “In any and every community there is a wide range of age groups, each of which are equally entitled to facilities and amenities that meet their needs. Too often the case is that young people are overlooked and their ‘wants’ are not taken into consideration. This shouldn’t be acceptable. Young people also are members of our society and can contribute just as much as everyone else.” Two years ago over 40 names were collected from people who were interested in having a BMX track in the village. This time Cllr Hartley wants to exceed a hundred: “I have already set up petitions around the village calling on the relevant authorities to allow for the BMX track’s implementation. I’ve also set up a website especially for the campaign where residents can sign online at www.ourcampaign.org.uk/bmx4psj (you may need to edit and paste in new browser!) or print blank petitions off the site. Thank you to all those already who’ve already signed! Nathan’s fellow Ward Councillor Sarah Bevan (Lib Dem, Peasedown) commented: “A facility such as a BMX track should not be thought of as something just for children and teenagers. It’s for the whole community. Everybody benefits when young people are engaged and encouraged and everybody reaps the rewards when such a facility brings more community cohesion and stronger relationships between all age groups.”
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