York firm wins deal

A £21,000 scheme to build a controversial cycle track and pump track at Crompton Moor has been awarded to a Yorkshire company.

Cedar Landscapes Ltd of York has won a £16,000 contract to construct the cycleway and pump track, a winding dirt trail over humps and bumps, for more experienced mountain bikers.

Other equipment and fees means the final cost will be £21,000, paid for by a Big Lottery grant.

The grant is part of a £648,900 lottery award which the council secured in 2007 for “adventures in play” projects.

The emphasis is on providing play and free time opportunities using the natural environment, with equipment which is part of the overall design.

The Crompton Moor scheme aims to open up the open land in that area of Oldham for use by ramblers, runners, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts.

But it has attracted criticism for disturbing an area of natural wilderness.