THE new chairman of Wantage’s biggest running club has called for a full-size permanent running track and other facilities in the town.

Simon Leech, who took over as chairman of White Horse Harriers in December, says the town needs to cater for a growing athletic community.

The population of Wantage and Grove is likely to double in the next 15 years as more than 5,500 new homes are built.

Mr Leech, 50, said: “The planned increase in population provides both an opportunity and a challenge as far as recreation is concerned.

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“We would like to work with the town and district councils to identify sites for a full size, permanent running track and a clubhouse or pavilion for training, meetings, changing and social events.

“We recognise the challenge in identifying and funding appropriate sites and would be content to share with another complimentary club or organisation.

“The club is already an important part of the local community, and with the proper facilities it could take on an even stronger role.”

He has put his wish list in the form of a request to Mayor Fiona Roper, who said she is now considering the ideas. A track could be included in the Wantage Neighbourhood Plan for development, currently being drawn up by a group of volunteers.

Club member and professional planning consultant Terry Gashe hopes a new running track can be included in the plan.

He said: “If you have got the facilities people are much more likely to join up and start running.”

White Horse Harriers, founded in 1982, has more than 160 members from Wantage, Grove and the surrounding villages.

It can boast notable success over the years including a former member, Jessica Harrison, who came ninth in the Triathlon at the 2012 Olympics.

Members compete in track and field athletics, road-running, cross-country, team events and junior competitions.

Coaches train eight- to-16-year-olds twice a week and encourage them to compete.

Mr Leech, whose children are both members, said as chairman he wanted to build on the club’s years of success.

The Manor Road resident said: “It has been an extremely stable club – we have only had three chairmen in 32 years, which I would say is very successful.

“I’m now looking at how I can build on that success, for example, trying to find a permanent home for the club and trying to get a running track built. It is very exciting.”

The club organises the annual White Horse Half Marathon in Grove, drawing more than 600 entries to run for charitable causes.

 

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