Thornley, Yorkshire

Thornley Pump Track

Thornley Parish Council had long identified a need for more active, recreational facilities for children, young people, and families in the village.

The plan for the pump track aimed to:

* Provide a safe, positive outdoor space for cycling, scooters, skateboards etc.

* Engage and benefit the community of Thornley, adding a facility that draws people together.

* Use local funding streams (grants / Section 106 / local support) to deliver good value.

* Ensure the facility is well designed, durable, and meets safety standards.

Funding & Stakeholders

The project was made possible through a combination of support from:

* Sir James Knott Trust

* Former Durham County Councillors Jake Miller, Chris Varty, and Lucy Hovvels

* The Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen

* Durham County Council (planning support / Section 106 funding)

* East Durham Area Action Partnership (thornley-pc.gov.uk)

Clark & Kent Contractors were selected to design, build and install the pump track. The local Parish Council, councillors, and staff worked closely in bringing the project forward.

Design & Construction

Clark & Kent Contractors used their experience in building pump tracks, skate parks and bike tracks both locally and internationally. ([thornley-pc.gov.uk1) Key design / construction features likely included:

* Layout tailored to Thornley's site – balancing challenge for more advanced riders with areas suitable for beginners and younger users.

* Durable materials and finishes to withstand frequent use and weather.

* Safety features--smooth surface, appropriate berms, signage, etc.

* Attention to aesthetics and integration into the park/play area / green space.

* Minimal disruption during construction, with good project management to meet schedule.

Impact & Outcomes

Since its completion (opened August 2025), Thornley Pump Track has delivered:

* A new active facility that encourages physical activity, especially outdoors, for children, youth, and families. (thornley-pc.gov.uk1)

* A positive community focal point--a place people can meet, socialise, and enjoy recreational time together.

* Good use of local and grant funding to deliver value.

* Increased local amenity, adding to Thornley's play areas and facilities.

Challenges & Learnings

While there is less publicly€'available detail on every technical challenge, some inferred points:

* Securing sufficient funding and coordinating multiple funders required stakeholder engagement.

* Meeting planning and regulatory / safety requirements.

* Ensuring durability and maintenance considerations are baked into design from the start.

* Setting expectations around usage, safety, access, and potential issues (e.g. wear / weather).

Looking Forward

To maximise the benefits of the pump track, the following are or could be considered:

* Continued community engagement to support safe, respectful use of the facility.

* Regular maintenance schedules to ensure longevity of the track.

* Programming or events (e.g. pump track days) to encourage use and foster a biking / wheeled sports community.

* Monitoring usage / gathering feedback for future improvements.

Project Summary

* **Scope:** Design, build and install a pump track for multi€'use (bikes, scooters etc.)

* **Budget/Funding:** Combined parish / grants / Section 106 etc.

* **Contractor:** Clark & Kent Contractors

* **Completion Date:** Open for use August 2025

* **Outcome:** New community amenity, positive reception, enhanced recreational infrastructure for Thornley.

[Clark & Kent Contractors – Building better communities, one project at a time.
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