Council confirms it will not enter a new lease with Huncote Hornets

Blaby District Council has decided not to enter a new lease with Huncote Hornets BMX Club for the use of the BMX track at Huncote Leisure Centre, after their lease ended in 2021. 

The decision was made after extensive discussions with Huncote Hornets, mainly about the landfill gas levels on the site and the expired lease.   

The challenges with the site mean that significant and complex management arrangements are needed to ensure the long-term safety of the site and its users. Following discussions with Huncote Hornets, it became clear they do not wish to sign a more detailed lease agreement. 

While there have been improvements in gas levels, bringing the site up to health and safety standards would require substantial financial investment, including repair works and fencing.    

The Council has chosen to reassess the land’s future use due to the budget implications for maintaining the site as a BMX track and Huncote Hornets’ decision not to enter into a more detailed lease agreement.  A report outlining the various options for the BMX track area will be presented to Full Council in April/May, with a recommendation that it becomes public open space. 

Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council said: 

“We understand that this may disappoint Huncote Hornets BMX Club and its supporters, and I want to assure everyone that this decision has not been taken lightly.   Fixing the site for BMX use would require a significant ongoing investment.  With budget pressures, Huncote Hornets being unable to sign a more detailed lease and an expected £4.9 million shortfall by 2028/29 it is important that we review how we use this site going forward.” 

Councillor Terry Richardson
Leader of the Council