New athletics track is now open

The new refurbished £320,000 athletics track has opened at Witton Country Park.

Members of Blackburn Harriers braved the cold to be the first to use the upgraded facility which was funded by a Sport England Inspired Facilities grant of £150,000 and £170,000 from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The track has been re-surfaced and extended to eight lanes in front of the new spectator area at Witton Park Arena.

Upgrades have also been added to the long jump pits and runways. A fantastic new throws cage for hammer and discus has also been installed too.

The Arena is home to Blackburn Harriers but importantly is also used by local schools and community groups as well as clubs from outside the borough. It also hosts regional and national athletics events.

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Young People, said:

“The investment in Witton Arena and the facilities will transform athletics for our current stars and the stars of the future. We wanted to make sure that the facilities were second to none and will encourage more people, particularly young people, to take up the sport.”

Tony Wood, chairman of Blackburn Harriers, said:

“The resurfacing of the track is yet another major step into making Blackburn and Darwen the centre of athletics in the region. The Club would like to thank the Council along with Sport England for the investment they have made into athletics at Witton Park. We are sure the new track will provide further inspiration to the youngsters in the area to become the champions of the future.”