BY TOBY ROBINSON

HOPES that the beleaguered Cumberland Athletics Track can be saved have been given a timely boost by councillors.

Both the county and borough councils look set to share the estimated £150,000 it will cost to install a brand new track.

Leader of the borough council, Cllr Peter Kent revealed the plans after a special meeting with county counterparts to discuss the issue.

"I wanted to break the deadlock and to do what we can to help local people and young people in particular," he said.

"I have therefore announced that I will be recommending to the borough council at budget time later this month that £75,000 is set aside for a new running track.

"I have called upon the county council to match this so work can start as soon as possible and I am delighted they have responded positively."

Cty Cllr David Newton said: "We are wholly committed to ensuring that the Cumberland track has a future.

"This is a sound first step to the creation of a good multi-use facility and I hope that all interested parties can continue to work together to achieve this in the near future."

The track is currently in such a state it was feared it would not receive a license to hold competitive meetings this year but UK Athletics have agreed to issue a temporary 12-month certificate if essential maintenance took place.

"UK Athletics have given us a very good service and if the work is carried out which is estimated to cost around £10,000, they will issue a license," said chairman of the Cumberland Sports Ground action group, Pat Slack.

"It is crucial that we keep this facility, not just for the football club (Crewe FC) or the athletes but for Victoria High School who need the facility to fulfil the national curriculum."

Crewe and Nantwich MP Gwyneth Dunwoody is due to chair a public meeting about the facility on Friday, February 2, at the Victoria Centre, Crewe, starting at 7.30pm.