Dirt bikers given a grand by Stansted Airport

DIRT-BIKE riders from Saffron Walden have been given more than �1000 by Stansted Airport to help them improve their track.

The money will be spent on installing signage and litter bins at the dirt track in Plantation Wood, off Debden Road.

The group of riders, known as Saffron Trails, were awarded nearly �1400 from the BAA Stansted Community Fund last Wednesday.

The money will also cover the cost of insurance and a training course in dirt jump safety, which will teach the bikers how to inspect the jumps and make out safety reports, which will be fed back to Uttlesford District Council on a regular basis.

Stansted Airport’s corporate social responsibility manager, Marcella M’Rabety, said: “The Stansted Airport Community Fund is delighted to support Saffron Trails and their BMX track project. This area gives young people the opportunity to keep fit, socialise with their friends and broaden their interests within a safe and suitable environment.”

Chairman of Saffron Trails, Lewis Thake, said: “The group cleared the site of fly-tipped rubbish seven years ago and we ride in the summer and build in the winter when the mud makes riding impossible.

“Freestyle dirt biking means there are various ‘lines’ with mud jumps of differing heights to be negotiated. The jumps keep a number of adults and young people occupied without causing trouble to the community or expense to the council.

“The group acts responsibly using common sense and work as a team and dirt jumping is a good way of exercising outdoors and keeping fit.”