An ‘Olympics legacy’ campaign to create Wharfedale’s first running track has been launched.

Otley Athletics Club says Back the Track, if it succeeds, will provide a fitting post-London 2012 facility that could help encourage generations of potential Olympians.

The club, which currently has to rent space from its cricketing counterparts, believes having its own clubhouse and a dedicated track – available to all – would boost sporting standards across the area.

Two of the group’s longest-standing members, John and Carol Armitstead, are the parents of Otley’s first ever Olympic medallist, cyclist Lizzie. And they’re hopeful of receiving the backing of Bram-hope’s gold and bronze medal-winning brothers, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, too.

Committee member Simon And-erson, spearheading the campaign, said: “It’s our responsibility as an athletics club, as well as that of other local sports clubs, to say to people in Otley if you want to get involved in sports on the back of what you’ve seen at the Olympics, then come to us.

“At the moment, we just don’t have a track, and there are very few in the area. You have to travel to Harrogate, Leeds or Keighley – there is no running track in Wharfedale, and it’s past time the area had one.

"We thought the perfect time to start the campaign would be now, just after the Olympics, with Lizzie's and the Brownlee brothers' medals still on everyone's mind, and to work towards the track as a legacy from the Games and see who we can get on board to support it.

"It would be a resource for the children of Otley and Wharfedale, and it would benefit all the other clubs too, because almost all sports benefit from having a track for people to train on.

"We'll be approaching the Brownlee brothers to see if they'll back us, along with local politicians and organisations, ultimately so that word of the campaign reaches Lord Coe* himself."

Club members were hoping to enlist more supporters when they turned out to cheer home silver medallist Lizzie Armitstead at her parade through Otley last night. [AUG 15] Many have already thrown their weight behind the campaign. Otley Town Council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: "This sounds like a really positive legacy following the Olympic Games, and I applaud the Athletic Club both for their vision and the challenge they have thrown down. We will want to work with the club to try to help them achieve their ambitions."

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "I think it is an excellent idea, and one I am happy to back and will do what I can to help. "These Olympics have been an outstanding success and we are very proud to have successful local Olympians, and we need to capitalise on this.

"A running track would help train future potential Olympic stars and also help towards getting people fit."

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) said: "In the wake of the fantastic Olympic success of Yorkshire athletes, it is vital more people are supported and encouraged to follow in the footsteps of heroes such as Lizzie Armitstead and the Brownlee brothers, and have the space to explore their true potential.

" I am completely behind the ‘Back the Track’ campaign and believe it will be a great asset to our area."

Ward and parish Councillor Clive Fox (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) said: "I would welcome any new athletics facility which would have the effect of forming part of the legacy of the 2012 London Olympics, especially one which would be open to all-comers living along the Wharfe Valley and maybe even further afield, depending on the number of users.

"What is really important is to establish the right location and be assured of the longer term viability of establishing such a track and clubhouse. That is quite a challenge, but it’s worth having a go."

Several locations for the track and clubhouse are being considered, but each depend upon reaching an agreement and working in partnership with landowners and other organisations.

Simon is is inviting anyone interested to get in touch by sending an e-mail to mrsimonanderson@yahoo.co.uk.

*Lord Coe, the London 2012 organising committee chairman, has vowed to keep the pressure on local and national government to deliver the pledges about sports participation and redevelopment that helped the London bid succeed.

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