A POPULAR skate park has put wheels in motion as they look to expand their centre.

Urban Extreme, in James Freel Close, Barrow, has submitted plans to open a new outdoor cycle track.

Founders Jane and Jason Keith hope to have the track in use as quickly as this summer.

Mrs Keith said: "We're pretty excited about it. We thought about doing this before but now we've managed to get the funding we need we're hoping to be able to go ahead with it all.

"At the moment we've got the indoor park, which does take all sorts of riders, but we found that there were people on bikes who were travelling further afield to find a track.

"We want to make sure that the kids who don't want to ride inside will still have a safe environment to play and have fun.

"We're hoping it will be open in time for the summer. We're hoping that means we can push ahead with it all quickly and have it up and running during summer."

<iframe width="640" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zs2xS4LTfs8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Mr Keith, a former semi-professional BMX rider, opened the venue with his wife in August 2014 after selling up his agricultural contracting business.

Urban Extreme caters for cyclists, skateboarders, scooter riders and in-line skaters, as well as boasting a cafe.

While open to anyone, the centre has also become a favourite of larger groups, including a number of local schools and the Autism Society.

It has proved hugely popular in the three years since opening its doors, and Mr and Mrs Keith are now calling on its riders to help them grow.

Mrs Keith said: "We're going to need volunteers to come down and help us build it, so we're asking anyone who wants to use it to help out if they can.

"Nobody can say what it's going to look like at this point until we start building it, but we know it'll be big.

"We just want it to be an affordable and enjoyable place for everyone from Joe Public to big groups."

The application for the outdoor track was submitted to Barrow Borough Council earlier this month, with a decision on the plans set to be made by the council's planning department by July 10.

In the application, Mr Keith said: "The track is not a permanent structure as it is built from dirt which may have a tarmac cover on top.
"It is for the benefit of the skate park, and for the use of the people of Barrow and the surrounding areas."

Read more:
Barrow children learn some new tricks with visit from skateboard ace.

Teen entrepreneur brings extreme sports competition to Barrow skate park.