Ellesmere Port's Free Runners consult residents on their need for outdoor provision

Residents can find out more at a series of events

7 February 2012

The Ellesmere Port and Chester Parkour Collective, a group of athletes who practice the sport of free running, are to consult with local residents on their plans for outdoor provision in the town.

After approaching the Council’s Our Place team in 2011 for assistance in trying to create outdoor provision for them to practise their sport, Our Place and Groundwork Cheshire are now working together to help them achieve their goal.

The team is taking part in a series of events across the town over the coming weeks and will be looking to speak with residents to let them know about the sport and the group’s plans for the future.

Parkour Collective member, Craig McNeil, said: “The support we have received so far has been fantastic and has really helped us to head the group in the right direction.

“We will now meet local residents to share our plans for the future and hopefully they will support us in bringing a new sport to the town.”

Through working with the Our Place team and Groundwork the group are now constituted and have a bank account and group logo.

They have been sponsored through the Ellesmere Port Area Partnership Board’s commissioning of Council’s Kick Start funding – designed to invest in early stage ideas which have potential and need only a small amount of money.

They have already taken part in a number of events including Cadbury’s ‘Spot V Stripes’ event organised by Groundwork Cheshire, where they demonstrated their skills.

Local member, Councillor Mark Henesy, said: “The Ellesmere Port and Chester Parkour Collective is starting to get involved with communities throughout Ellesmere Port and share with them a sport which involves a great deal of talent and practice.

“They are currently sharing their plans for outdoor provision and I would urge anyone who would like to find out more about their sport to come along to any one of the events they are participating in and meet them.”

The Group will be demonstrating their moves on Monday, 13 February between 12 and 1pm on the Civic Square, where they will also be carrying out a consultation to raise awareness of the group.

For more information on the Parkour Collective please contact Our Place Community Engagement Officer Tracey Jones on 0151 356 6603 or just turn up on any of the days and speak to the guys.