A MOUNTAIN bike skills track could be created on a school field if plans, as yet in their early stages, come to fruition.

Advice is being sought by headteacher Dr Tim Cook at Liskeard Hillfort Primary School over the idea of making a mountain bike ‘pump’ track on part of the field that is not currently used for sports.

In a pre-planning application document submitted to Cornwall Council, the head says that the track, which would fit within a roughly 26m by 16m space, would offer a fun challenge to all users – with one track suitable and safe for beginners while another would challenge more experienced riders.

In the submission, the head explains that the school aims to encourage children to lead healthier lifestyles by cycling to school where possible and using the track during the school day.

“We wish to use part of our extensive school field to build a mountain bike skills track,” he writes.

“Currently, the field is used for leisure activities for children – playtime, football pitches, athletic track.

“The proposal does not result in the inability to use any playing pitch as we can still get several pitches onto our field.

“The trail will be used daily both as a cycling and running trail. Children will be able to cycle to school to increase fitness, cycle on the track at lunch and live healthy lifestyles.

“Vehicle emissions and traffic congestion would therefore be reduced.”