Schoolchildren helped to officially launch a new learn-to-ride track on a Mansfield estate.

The facility, off Egmanton Road, on the Bellamy Road estate, is aimed at helping children aged two to eight to learn to cycle in a safe, traffic-free environment.

It was devised after consultations with residents about how best to help families in the neighbourhood and is part of a multi-million scheme to redevelop the centre of the estate with new homes and retail outlets, along with the £290,000 improvements to recreational amenities on the estate.

A bicycle ‘library’ is also being set up so that families with children who don’t have access to bikes can also use the track. Local schools will also use the track and loan bikes for bikeability sessions.

Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams, who cut the ribbon to launch the track with youngsters from St Peter’s Church of England Primary Academy Mansfield, said: “These new facilities and housing will bring about a huge improvement to the quality of life for people on this estate.

“As a council, with an eye on improving the environment and wellbeing of all our residents, we want to encourage more families to be physically active.

“Cycling is a brilliant activity. Not only is it an effective way to get fit, it is also kind to the environment as we all seek ways to tackle climate change.”

The new track was partly funded by British Cycling’s Places to Ride programme and EEM Ltd, a not-for-profit procurement consortium, of which the council is a partner.

Steve Johnson, cycling delivery manager for British Cycling in the East Midlands, and Rebecca Dermody-Simmons, chief executive of EEM, were among those attending the official launch of the track.

Also there were the council chief executive Adam Hill; the head of Health and Communities, Coun David Evans; Coun John Smart, ward councillor for Ransom Wood; and pupils from St Peter’s.

Rebecca said: “We are so pleased to support the council to deliver this innovative project to boost wellbeing in the Mansfield community.

“It is clear that the track adds real vibrancy to the area and will benefit hundreds of children by providing a safe environment to socialise and be physically active.”

The track and the new play area are part of a multi-million pound scheme to upgrade the estate. The last stage of the Bellamy Road Community Heart Housing Development will see 22 high-quality, eco-friendly, and affordable family council homes built around a ‘village green’ area.

The scheme also includes demolishing existing shops and five flats on Egmanton Road and building a new single storey parade of retail outlets with a convenience store, cafe and takeaway.

There will also be a community orchard planted and a new traffic-calmed through road,connecting Thorpe Road and Egmanton Road, which will allow for improved bus connections through this part of the estate.