TOWN councillors in Minehead may earmark council-owned land for a bicycle pump track after plans to build one in Culvercliffe were dropped.

A community interest company (CIC) planning the £90,000 project decided in the summer that its previously identified site near Minehead Harbour would not be suitable because its former use for landfill meant there were structural integrity worries.

Now, councillors have started looking at whether municipal land could be found to house the facility, which is similar to a BMX track but without a defined start or finish and is suitable for a variety of wheeled users.

They confirmed the town council was still supportive of the project in principle but would need further information to assess its viability and to assist with site allocation.

Councillors wanted to see a general business case, including likely funding sources, provision for end-of-life decommissioning, and details of how the pump track would be managed and operated.

They were told an amenities advisory group had discussed several potential sites and felt that access to nearby public toilets should be a consideration.

A spokesperson for the pump track CIC said it was reviewing other potential sites in Minehead after taking into consideration all the comments which had been made by supporters.

The spokesperson said: “Despite the vast areas of open space we are blessed to have around us, there are very few council owned/lease areas suitable for our project.

“Either due to steep gradients, proximity to residential properties, access issues, or high levels of flooding.

“We have reviewed each possible location and determined that the land off Seaward Way, behind the Premier Inn, would be the most suitable.

“Its proximity to the cycle path is a clear advantage, which Culvercliffe did not have.

“The potentially unsuitable access from town was highlighted as a safety concern previously.

“This location gives users a safe route of travel by bike or foot from Alcombe, Dunster, the seafront, and Carhampton in the future.

“We are aware this land is currently used for the fun fair each year and if selected we will work with the council to see if it can be relocated to another suitable location.

“We are also aware this area is in a flood zone, which does have its risks at planning.

“We will review this in more detail and look to mitigate those risks as early as possible.

“This land is currently used for dog walkers and we are not looking to take that away from those who do.

“Yes, that area would be reduced for dog walking, but not even half of it.”

The spokesperson said the pump track could be accommodated off Seaward Way in any orientation or location within the area.

It would be designed to avoid impacting the root protection zones of the existing trees and vegetation.

Councillors discussed the project at their meeting on Tuesday (October 28) but deferred making any firm decision until a business case had been drawn up.

The Seaward Way site has attracted substantial support from people commenting on it via social media.