A SITE for a £100,000 Minehead pumptrack could be agreed when town councillors meet on Tuesday evening (October 27), ending an 18-month search

A report given to councillors but kept secret from the public suggests the project could use part of the Culvercliffe open space, near the town’s harbour.

Culvercliffe was the original preferred site put forward by the community interest company (CIC) behind the pumptrack initiative because it had nearby parking and public toilets, and the remote location would not cause disturbance for residents.

However, it was eventually discounted because the area was an old municipal landfill site and there were worries about its ‘structural integrity’ and on-going site maintenance post-construction.

The pumptrack CIC then looked at land off Seaward Way, behind the Premier Inn hotel, as one of only a few town council-owned sites which could be suitable.

A pumptracks is a purpose-built circuit of rollers, banked turns, and features designed to be ridden by riders ‘pumping’, generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.

On Tuesday, councillors will be recommended to take a fresh look at Culvercliffe after receiving an updated business case from the CIC.

They will be told at the meeting in Minehead Community Centre that it could be a preferred site for further investigation, subject to the necessary planning and legal permissions.

Culvercliffe is part of the sea front land which the town council now holds on a 25-year lease from Somerset Council following the unitary authority last year devolving many of its assets to local councils as it tries to avoid going bankrupt.

A CIC spokesperson said they hoped there would be ‘exciting news’ coming out of the council meeting with a potential decision being taken.

They called for pumptrack supporters to attend the meeting, which starts at 7.30 pm, to show their backing for the project.

The spokesperson said: “The goal is to provide a versatile and accessible recreational space that appeals to a wide range of people, whether they are experienced bike riders, scooter riders, roller skaters, skateboarders, or even wheelchair users.

“The pumptrack will offer a safe and engaging environment where individuals can learn to ride, practice their skills, have fun, and stay active in a community-focused setting.”

The pumptrack has already been backed by West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour, who described it as an ‘excellent, community-focused project’ which had her ‘wholehearted support’.

Mrs Gilmour said she was pleased Minehead town councillors were supportive of the development in principle.