New Staffordshire mountain bike trails to be used in 2022 Commonwealth Games
The trails will be built on Cannock Chase Forest.
It's hoped new mountain biking trails being built on Cannock Chase Forest will boost the local tourism economy and help more people stay active.
The project, being developed by Forestry England, will see the construction of a high quality off road mountain bike trail. A family bike play facility and a new regional centre of excellence for safe, off-road cycling are also part of the plans.
The new trails will also be used as a venue for the mountain bike races during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Staffordshire County Council has provided £50,000 towards the costs of the project.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at the authority said: "There’s huge passion for cycling here in Staffordshire already and we’re pleased to be able to support and help fund the new trails.
"Not only will this give us a fantastic facility for visitors and families to use for years to come but it will also help encourage more people to stay active. It also means that people will be able to come and enjoy the dedicated trails whilst protecting the rest of the Chase’s precious landscape.
"Having Cannock Chase Forest chosen as one of the venues for the mountain biking trials for the 2022 Commonwealth Games is also wonderful news. Cannock Chase is one of the jewels in our tourism crown, and with some of the best mountain bike trails in the region, this is a great opportunity to show off our amazing county to the world."