Gundimore shared track officially opened

The new shared pedestrian and cycle track at Gundimore between Mudeford Quay and Avon Beach in Christchurch has been officially opened.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch, Cllr Nick Geary and Gillian Geary, were joined at the opening ceremony by the chairman of Christchurch Council’s Community Services Committee, Cllr Sally Derham Wilkes and Mark Godfrey, chairman of Christchurch Sailing Partnership, part of Christchurch Community Partnership.

Also present were representatives of Christchurch, Highcliffe and Mudeford Sailing Clubs, SAMRA and Friars Cliff Residents’ Associations, Christchurch Strollers and Christchurch Bicycle Club.

Before blowing a horn to mark the opening of the track, the Mayor said: “This new project has provided improved access to the beach for everyone and much better access for boat launching. It will give better training facilities for sailing teams taking part in the 2012 Olympics but will also leave us with a lasting legacy for the local community.”

Mark Godfrey added: “This is one of a number of sailing-related projects that will help promote the area for tourism. Christchurch Sailing Partnership has just produced a leaflet showing all sailing events held in the area and our next project will see some 90 Year 6 school children taking to the water this summer. We will also be training six Year 11 students to become sailing instructors so that they can hand on their skills to others in the future.”