Your support needed for Mountain Bike Centre!

You may be aware of Lafarge's proposals for the regeneration of Magheramorne works and quarry in Northern Ireland which include an international mountain biking facility. The proposals include international standard downhill and cross country courses using the amazing elevation within the site and the rock benches created by the quarrying process. This will allow for the creation of a unique system of trails of both types that will be the equal of anything else available in the UK. The intention for the less extreme parts of the site is to widen the appeal to recreational cycling using less testing trails. With the possibility of the facility becoming a World Cup venue as well as hosting a team training for the 2012 Olympics the potential at Magheramorne is extremely exciting. You can find further details on the project website www.magworks.info. A planning application was submitted in May 2006 but the planners are only starting to focus their minds on it now. Expressions of support are very important to the success of the application as the planners are being asked to make what is for them a very difficult decision. Lafarge have been in contact with us in an effort to increase the number of supportive emails the planners are getting. Their team are meeting with the planners on 13 March to discuss the project. Please register your support for the project with the planners please email them directly at [email protected] quoting reference number F/2006/0131. You might like to say something like: "I understand Lafarge are proposing a World Cycling Centre as part of their comprehensive plans to regenerate the disused works and quarry at Magheramorne (application F/2006/0131). There is no equivalent facility in Ireland and people would travel from the Scotland and Northern England to use it and watch the events that could be held there. The whole scheme should be approved to ensure the cycling element is delivered." Of course if you live even further away and would use the facility let them know!! www.chainreactioncycles.com www.magworks.info