THE new pumptrack in Wellington has been declared (unofficially) open after the suspense got too much for enthusiasts.

Warnings had been issued by the Wellington Town Council over recent days to not use the hotly anticipated track ahead of its official opening date.

However, after being duly signed off following a safety inspection today (Thursday, September 10), the council decided to open the facility for use ahead of its official opening on September 26.

A spokesperson for the Wellington Town Council said: “The council has taken the decision to allow access to the track ahead of the official opening, following a passed safety inspection on September 10 and the public’s obvious enthusiasm to use the facility.”

Fencing will stay up around the majority of the track to protect the grass seed that has been put down and we ask anyone using the track to stay off the mud.”

The official opening of the Wellington Pump Track is planned for Saturday, September 26 from 10 am to 2 pm.

The event will commence with opening speeches and a ribbon cutting, to be followed by a demonstration of the track by Clark & Kent Contractors. There will then be open riding sessions from 11 am to 12 pm and 12.30 pm to 2 pm with a remote control car demonstration in between.

Riders will be asked to register at the Wellington Pumptrack, Skatepark & Dirt Jumps stall to keep the track safe as the event is anticipated to be busy.

A variety of stalls will include local information, cycle and skate businesses and food and drink; the Police will be on site to mark bikes and provide crime prevention advice.

Wellington town clerk, Dave Farrow said: “I am thrilled that the Town Council has been able to deliver such a fantastic facility for the community.

“The new pump track is a real asset for the town and will provide fun, recreation and opportunities for young people and families for years to come.

“I'd like to thank Clark & Kent for the excellent job they have done. Their hard work and attention to detail have helped create something that Wellington can be proud of.

“This project shows our commitment to investing in facilities that improve the quality of life for local people, and I can't wait to see the track in regular use.”

Construction work on the track began back on July 21 as fencing was erected and the diggers moved in to begin to plot the curves and shape of the pumptrack designed for riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy cycling, scooting and skating.

Oliver Edmonston-Low of the Pumptrack, Skatepark & Dirt Jumps group said: “It has been an long journey and a lot of work by some very dedicated people to get here.

“It is an amazing facility that will be enjoyed by everyone for a long time, and a destination asset for Wellington and the surrounding communities. We aimed high and definitely scored a high score.

“Thank you to all involved and to the patience and support of the Wellington community.”