Woods project could bring new youth facilities (From Gazette & Herald)

Woods project could bring new youth facilities

YOUNGSTERS in Pickering are in line to get a new exciting challenge as an alternative to getting their thrills from car driving.

The landmark Newbridge Woods, close to the market town's ancient castle, are being highlighted as an opportunity to get young people fit and healthy.

Behind the ambitious idea is Dr Tim Thornton, a member of the Pickering 2020 Town Team, which was set up to action suggestions put forward by residents to improve the local quality of life.

Dr Thornton sees the rock face in the woods as a golden opportunity to teach the young generation the skills of climbing, abseilling and bouldering.

"It would give them a controlled theme and be a far better and safer alternative to fast driving," said the family doctor.

He has already had a meeting with The Duchy of Lancaster, one of the main landowners, plus two other landowners and had a positive re-action.

The venture will be an educational one, says Dr Thornton, who has also had meeting with a local geological society and a climber.

The geological society want to uncover the rock faces for educational purposes, The Duchy wants the woods used and have grants available. However, this would mean taking liability for the woods.

The climber sees great potential for climbing, abseilling and mountain biking and may be able to help run these schemes, says Dr Thornton. The Princes Trust is also interested he added.

"There is complete co-operation between the groups."

The rock face is right along Newbridge Road, is feasible and offers different levels of climbing from disabled and beginner to very difficult climbs. Dr Thornton says the project will involve a significant amount of man-power because it also involves cleaning up the woods, and developing a footpath from the castle to Newbridge Road enabling people to walk in the countryside north of Pickering. He believes there are local climbers who would help in the venture because the nearest rock climbing is at Kirkbymoorside or Newton Aycliffe. "The word could be done on a rolling programme," said Dr Thornton.

The rock face will provide climbing and abseilling opportunities with its heights ranging from 10ft to 40ft. "The whole project is a good way to get young people taking more exercise and keeping healthy," said Dr Thornton, who added that the scheme will be alongside the community park which the 2020 Team has plans to create.

"The venture will take a lot of hard graft but I think it will be worth while."

Updated: 14:57 Wednesday, February 09, 2005