More people are being given the chance to get active thanks to new facilities at Bury athletics track.

An inclusive cycling centre and outside gym have been opened at the Market Street track under an initiative led by Bury Athletic Club with funding from Sport England.

It’s the result of partnership work with Bury Council and BRIS (Bury Relief in Sickness Fund), a registered charity which helps those in poor health, convalescing, in need of respite or who have disabilities.

The move follows the success of the Accessible Festival held at the track in July by Summerseat Physiotherapy Clinic, which offered a range of inclusive activities.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m pleased to say we now have a safe place where people with additional needs can ride and work out. We have some way to go until the borough is fully inclusive, but facilities like these show we are moving in the right direction.”

And Roger Morley, honorary life member of Bury Athletics Club and director of BAC Facilities Ltd, said: “It is critical that the Market Street site is fully but sensibly used, and past and present partnerships with Wheels for All, BRIS, Summerseat Physiotherapy Clinic and Action for Children epitomise what can be achieved when people work together. The diverse range of activities these partnerships has brought to the Market Street site is very rewarding.”  

BRIS have provided funding for storing the bikes that will be used at the track, and are supporting maintenance and repairs to the specialised equipment.  

Gill Warburton, treasurer at BRIS, added: “We are delighted to support Wheels For All Bury with their new amenities at Bury Athletic Club and those groups and individuals with disabilities, both physical and mental, who use them at an established sports venue in the town. The health and wellbeing benefits of the project align well with our charity’s support for the Bury community.”  

The Wheels for All service is available for private group bookings at the track as well as further open sessions at their centre in Clarence Park. For more information, call 0161 253 5893 or go to https://buryac.co.uk/