Support the Retention and Development of Community Bike Jumps in the Woodland Adjacent to Bradgate Close, Narborough, as a Positive Youth Recreation Facility

PLEASE ONLY SIGN IF RESIDENT OR WORK IN BLABY DISTRICT

We, the undersigned residents of Narborough and the surrounding area in the Blaby District, petition Blaby District Council to support the retention and enhancement of informal bike jumps created by local young people in the woodland adjacent to Bradgate Close (where it meets Desford Road), rather than requiring their removal or issuing penalties.

In recent months, a group of local youths have used their own initiative to construct modest earth ramps in this wooded area. Far from causing damage or anti-social behaviour, the young people have demonstrated responsibility: they have relocated ramps away from public paths to avoid obstruction, collected litter (including items not their own), and created a facility that is already enjoyed by younger children in the community as well as teenagers.

This initiative aligns with repeated calls for young people to be active, outdoors and off screens. Parents report their children returning home muddy but engaged in healthy exercise and socialising constructively. Precisely the outcomes promoted by schools, health professionals, and national youth policies. Historical precedent exists: similar informal jumps operated in the same woodland approximately 25 years ago and in nearby areas (including between Littlethorpe Park and Thorpe Meadows around 20 years ago) without incident.

The area faces growing pressure from housing development, including the potential loss of Enderby golf course. This will increase demand for accessible outdoor recreation spaces for young people. With no dedicated BMX or youth bike facility currently available in Narborough or Enderby (following the closure of the Huncote bmx track), these jumps represent a low-cost, community-driven solution.

We acknowledge concerns about potential anti-social behaviour, but note that the same risks apply to any congregational space (e.g., skateparks or playgrounds) and can be managed through community involvement and routine policing — as has already occurred here without escalation.

A local councillor (Cllr Forey) has already responded positively to correspondence on this matter, agreeing with the sentiment and noting that a formal skatepark could be a longer-term aspiration. For now, modest support — such as encouragement, basic safety guidance, or a small grant for materials would suffice and send a powerful message that the Council values youth initiative.

We therefore respectfully request that Blaby District Council

• Instruct officers and contractors to cease any demolition of the existing jumps and withdraw any threat of criminal damage charges or fines against the young people involved.
• Liaise with Leicestershire Police and instruct that no further pressure, threats or instructions be given to the young people to demolish the existing jumps.
• Engage directly with the local youth group, their parents, and the wider community (including via a short consultation or site visit) to formalise and safely enhance the facility where appropriate.
• Consider allocating a modest budget (or exploring developer contributions linked to nearby housing growth) to support basic improvements, signage, or maintenance.
• Incorporate this site and the broader need for youth recreational facilities into the Council’s planning and community strategy, particularly in light of ongoing development pressures.
• If the Bradgate Close woodland site ultimately proves unworkable, explore alternative suitable locations within the Narborough / Enderby area (such as the 6-acre field or Whistle Way) for the relocation and development of community bike jumps, so that this valuable youth-led facility can still be retained and enhanced for local young people.

This petition builds on strong local support already expressed via social media (including dozens of supportive comments from parents and residents, with significant engagement) and mirrors previous community campaigns, such as the recent efforts to reopen the Huncote bmx track.Supporting this low-intervention, high-impact project will demonstrate the Council’s commitment to active lifestyles, community wellbeing, and giving young people positive outlets in our growing district.