A COMMUNITY group are pushing for a bike trail to be reopened after it emerged the local council chose not to renew the lease.

Earlier this year, Faenor Community Council chose not to renew the lease from Ceredigion County Council which has led to the bike trail on Waunfawr being closed.

Now a group of local residents are trying to drum up support in the area to get the trail reopened and rejuvenated.

George Holloway, one of the residents behind the drive to build support for the reopening and rejuvenation of the cycle trail said: “The closure of the bike trail led to two main reactions.

“One, my kids love there and two, what a shame, now I know about it, I would be there all the time.

A Facebook page, Waunfawr Bike Park, was set up last week and has already attracted over 180 members.

Mr Holloway added: “The response from the wider cycling community has been tremendous with many of offers of support for our campaign to persuade Faenor Community Council to re acquire the lease.

“The bike trail was set up 20 years ago after a couple of local youngsters wrote to the Cambrian News to say that there was nowhere on the Waun for people to cycle.

“This inspired local county councillor John Roberts to take on the project and set up the Waunfawr Cycle Trail.

“A local resident offered some heavy plant to clear the paths for free.

“Cllr Roberts paid out of his own pocket for railway sleepers, grit and twice yearly, Cllr Roberts and his son trimmed the trail edges and surface.

“After maintaining the trail for a number of years Cllr Roberts was compelled to stop by Faenor Council.

“Unfortunately Cllr Roberts suffered a short period of ill health and during his absence, Faenor Council decommissioned the trail.

“Their idea being to provide allotments, plant more trees and create a wild area.

“Earlier this year, Ceredigion County Council presented the conditions of the new lease for the Bike Trail, five years at £215 rent per annum with Ceredigion’s legal costs of at least £865 to be met by Faenor Council as a one off.

“The two Faenor councillors who spoke to Julie (Parker), Carys (Drew) and I appear to be open to discussion provided we can show them evidence of sufficient support from the community.

“Ceredigion County Council state they are undecided about the future of the Bike Trail, but ‘public use’ remains one option.”

Faenor Community Council confirmed to the Cambrian News that it has not renewed the lease.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “We can confirm that a lease has been surrendered and that Ceredigion County Council is considering options for future use of the land.”

People wishing to give their support and have their say are encouraged to join the Waunfawr Bike Park Facebook page.