COUNCILLORS were delighted to get on their bikes to support a project that could keep young cyclists safe.

Members of Wellington Town Council’s policy and finance committee met on January 13 and were pleased to award a £2,600 grant to the On Your Bike charity.

The charity was formed in Wellington in 2010 and has trained and supported people who have suffered social exclusion, physical disabilities and mental health problems/disorders, former Armed Forces personnel, ex-offenders, homeless and long-term unemployed to refurbish and service bicycles under the supervision of trained mechanics.

On Your Bike asked the town council for a £3,000 grant to go out to primary schools in Wellington – Rockwell Green, Wellesley Park, St John’s, IKB, and West Buckland – to promote safe cycling among pupils; as well as offer a bike repair session at Court Fields School and three community repair sessions during the year.

Councillors agreed to award £2,600 and leave out West Buckland Primary School as that school was not within the parish of Wellington.

Cllr Andy Govier said: “I attended a previous repair session at Court Fields and there were a lot of bikes that came through the gates that weren’t really roadworthy.”

Cllr Justin Cole, an avid cyclist himself, said: “I’d support this. Going into primary schools and talking to children about cycling gives them the confidence to ride on the road and it’s also important to get across the message that they need to maintain their bikes.

“I was also at the event held at Court Fields and some of the state of the bikes that came in was ‘interesting’ to say the least.”

A spokesman for On Your Bike said: “We have recycled and serviced thousands of bikes, and will continue to do so to support and supply affordable bikes to our amazing community.”