A RUNNING group is on the hunt for suitable lighting for a new community running track being provided at Weymouth’s Park and Ride site.

The lighting would be the final touch needed at the new 400m running and exercise circuit that was built after running group Egdon Heath Harriers (EHH) made the request to Dorset Council.

EHH had been using the car park for around two years before Dorset Council made improvements - resurfacing the circuit with improved camber for better drainage, dug-out drainage ditches for better capacity and placed Portland Stone boulders to stop vehicles using the area.

Bruce Campbell, coach at Egdon Heath Harriers said: "The only thing we haven't been able to arrange yet is the lights, which means we can't run there in the evening in winter. There are a few civil engineering complications due to the site being previously landfill.

"Fingers crossed we can find a grant or a sponsor who might want to help us fund some sort of lighting for the track moving forwards.

“We are so grateful to have somewhere we can train now; getting some lights would be a lovely way to finish the project".

The project came to be after long-standing club member Lucy Wyman along with Bruce Campbell, Kim Fudge and a team of dedicated runners formed a committee to discuss how to improve the site.

Ms Wyman said: "We had a lot of help from local runners both from our club and from others. They helped us with quotes for work in terms of civil engineering, lighting, photography and working out just how many people could benefit from having the facility.”

The information the teams provided was sufficient enough for Ms Wyman to write a proposal to the council – which garnered a positive response from local councillors and the CEO of Dorset Council.

Egdon Heath Harriers also suggested that as the track would be so close to the homeless pods, they could encourage residents to come and join in the training and shared that they have already started collecting trainers and kit to donate to the residents.

EHH told the council they wanted a new surface and hopefully some new lights so the track could be used all year round.

Ms Wyman added: “The next thing we knew, Dorset Council Highways department sprung to action, with several of their employees who are also local runners eagerly surveying the track to make it more symmetrical and suitable for running".

Bruce Campbell, coach at Egdon Heath Harriers added: "We were very grateful to all the Highways team for the excellent job they have made of the track.”