Following the completion of post installation works, the series of family friendly graded cycle trails, including a learn to ride area for those new to mountain biking, are now ready to be used by residents looking for an off-road space to cycle.

Construction of the cycle trails has been made possible thanks to a £423,500 grant from Sport England and British Cycling through the Places to Ride fund, with additional funding provided from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The Council will be carrying out routine safety checks on the site, and will be seeking to appoint a company to operate the cycle hub facilities in the old golf shop and take over maintenance of the trails in the near future.

Signage has been installed which provides users with clear information on how to use the trails, and the recommended abilities for each trail. Additional signage is also in place to inform people how to report any issues with the trails.

Councillor Ian Davison, Leader of Warwick District Council, said: “I’m very pleased that the cycle trails are now open with a variety of routes suitable for a wide range of cycling abilities. I am particularly delighted that the learn to ride area provides a safer, off-road location for children, young people and those new to cycling to become comfortable riding a mountain bike. Hopefully this will help people become more confident and lead to them using their bikes as a preferred method of transport for shorter journeys, whether to the shops, school or for leisure.

“We know that it has taken a long time to get to this point, and we appreciate the patience of all those who have been keen to see the trails open. It’s now time to officially open the trails as checks are complete, signs are up, and maintenance schedules in place.”

Planning permission for the trails was granted in May 2021. The Council continues to work with the Planning Authority on a variation to the application due to some variation in the original plans.

Opening the trails follows the development of the masterplan which involved extensive public consultation after the golf course closed. In line with this plan, Newbold Comyn remains open to all users for informal, open access. Like all of the Council’s parks and open spaces, it is a shared space for leisure activities, and the Council expects all visitors to follow a simple code of conduct:

• Be considerate: everyone has an equal part to play in ensuring safety in the park. Everyone comes to enjoy their time at Newbold Comyn whether it is to relax, explore or exercise
• Be safe: follow signage. It may change, particularly when referring to seasonal considerations for wildlife or maintenance taking place. Children and dogs may need to be kept close to you in some areas
• Be seen and heard: not everyone has perfect sight or hearing or even vision behind them!

Further information on the voluntary code of conduct for Newbold Comyn can be found on the Council’s website.