NORTH Cornwall residents are set to enjoy a swathe of new facilities after one parish council’s efforts to upgrade its local area.

Morwenstow Parish Council are excitedly announcing a variety of new facilities hoping to get residents involved in some different sports.

After five years of hard work, residents are now enjoying the rewards of the council’s hard work. The first of these was installed in July 2023, and saw the introduction of brand new outdoor fitness equipment.

The council made a successful funding bid to the East Langford Solar Farm Fund which is distributed and managed by the Cornwall Community Foundation.

The project was funded in conjunction with Morwenstow Football Club.

A spokesperson from the council explained: “The installation was carried out in July 2023, the equipment is really popular and is situated in the play park so that adults can exercise while the children play if they wish.

“It has been quite a journey that first came about in April 2022,” they added. “It has taken a long time to realise due to the costs involved and the numerous hurdles that had to be overcome – but we did not give up.”

Speaking about the project, Morwenstow Parish Council’s clerk, Sheridon Rosser commented: “We wanted to encourage a healthy lifestyle and the installation of the outdoor exercise area has proven to be really popular – we've even had requests for lighting at the space so that it can be used during the evenings.”

The council has also emphasised that the space is not only about physical health but also improving mental health.

Sheridon continued: “We know that Morwenstow is a more rural area and that public transport isn’t always the most reliable, so to have a space like this, which is also benefitting people’s mental health and getting them outside, is a huge boost!”

However, it isn’t just through traditional exercise that residents are able to get fit — thanks to the installation of a state of the art ‘pump track’, those who enjoy getting their fitness fix on wheels are also set to benefit.

Funded by Cornwall Council, via the Community Levelling Up Programme (CLUP), alongside contributions from Morwenstow Parish Council, both monetarily and in a volunteer capacity, the pump track is a purpose-built track for cycling. It has a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" to generate momentum through up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.

Originally designed for mountain bikes and BMXs, the spaces are now also used for skateboarding and are accessible to wheelchairs.

“The pump track was an idea that residents were really supportive of in our survey. We knew that it would be a big undertaking and making the dream into a reality certainly was a challenge, however, we’re really pleased that the space is now open. It’s an asset to Morwenstow,” said the clerk.

The space has become popular among a variety of wheely scenes, from bikes and scooters, to prams and roller-skates.

With two new facilities already up and running, residents can now look forward to the official opening of the new Muti Use Games Area (MUGA)!

The site, which has capability to accommodate sports such as netball, basketball, tennis and pickleball, is set to officially open its doors on Sunday, September 7, providing a space for casual players, young people and even sports groups looking for an accessible home.

Between 3pm and 5.30pm on weekdays, the facility operates a ‘freeplay’ scheme, allowing the public to use the space as they would like. As well as this, the space can be booked by clubs and individuals.

Sheridon continued: “The space is operating a very reasonably priced booking system, which will be available on the council website.

“We hope that the space can be utilised by local groups to hold club sessions for a variety of sports. Bookings last 90-minutes and cost £10, with access to sporting equipment included.”

With so many new facilities coming to the area, Morwenstow is set to enjoy a range of sporting fun for years to come!