Work starts on Birchall exercise path

Published on 5 July 2023

Work has started on a new exercise path around the boundary of Birchall Playing Fields in Leek.

The path, which will create a fantastic walking, jogging and wheeled resource, is the next project in the District Council's investment in improving facilities at the site following the refurbishment of the running and activity track last year.

New benches will also be installed along the route of the accessible tarmacadam-surfaced path enabling people using it to stop for a rest and to enjoy the open views.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, visited the fields to see the work getting underway.

He said: "It's great to see this next phase of work at Birchall getting underway. This is a very well used local amenity which is already popular with walkers, dog walkers, footballers and people who use the running and activity track. But many people, some with mobility issues, aren't able to make full use of the site due to the lack of a pathway.

"The addition of this surfaced path, which will run right around the boundary, will open up this recreational site to everyone and ensure the playing fields can still be used during the winter months when the site might be wet and muddy.

"Everyone knows the importance of being active for good health and wellbeing - and walking can be a good way of maintaining and improving activity levels so I'm certain this will be a very welcome addition to the facilities already provided at Birchall."

People using the playing fields are advised that there will some disruption on site which will be limited to relatively small areas at a time as the contractor moves around the boundary in sections.

The site will remain open whilst the work takes place and it will not have any impact on the football pitches or running track.

Councillor Swindlehurst added: "We do ask people to be mindful of these works and to be aware of the machinery and vehicles as they are moved around the site. I'd like to thank people for their co-operation and understanding - it will be worth it!"