We wish to add a CCTV Camera System to cover the BMX Track in Gallagher Park, Bedlington. Remotely monitored, as well as protecting this much loved community asset, it would give users of the BMX Track and the wider park, a greater confidence whilst enjoying this outdoor space. Barnesbury Cycling Club, ran by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis has raised the funds over 7 years to upgrade the BMX Track to Regional Standard and install a new 8-Rider Start Gate. Anyone is welcome to join in our regular activities, we have an inclusive attitude and we will loan BMX bikes and safety equipment for free to give children and adults better opportunities. Open to the public, the track which is also maintained by club volunteers is used and enjoyed by many from local communities. We wish to protect the facility and all riders, so it continues to be available and used for many years, as BMX Tracks are typically out of the way, so vandalism and anti-social behaviour can occur.

What we'll deliver:

• Install CCTV with monitoring and response service

Why it's a great idea:

The installation of CCTV will bring many benefits, 1) it will help protect the BMX facility against vandalism 2) it will significantly reduce the risk of theft of perimeter fencing or the motorbike inhibitor gate, which when it occurs, leaves the facility open to the risk of damage from motorbikes or quad bikes 3) it will reduce the likelihood of intimidation or injury to any riders from individuals or gangs 4) it reduces the risks of individuals setting fires within the large wooded areas of the park around the BMX Track, which will hopefully reduce call-outs by the fire brigade 5) it will also give pedestrians, dog walkers and park users of the football pitches nearby and parents with small children, a greater confidence in using the park 6) it will help keep the facility in an effective state of use to be enjoyed by all riders, whether part of the club or members of the public enjoying the facility at their leisure.

Steps to get it done:

• Installing CCTV to help protect the facility and increase public confidence in the park at all times of the day

There are only 3 active Regional Standard BMX Tracks in North East England, with the other two tracks an hour’s drive away. Bedlington has its share of regular problems with anti-social behaviour like many towns and cities. We provide a valuable service to the local community and they are very lucky to have this facility available. Children and adults on BMX Bikes or Mountain Bikes get great enjoyment out of using this facility to improve bike skills, increase fitness, improve mental wellbeing, progress to competitive racing, increase social skills, develop character building attributes and get a healthy dose of fresh air away from social media or a games console and we simply want to continue that going forward.