A BMX track has been saved from possible closure after it received a water supply to repair its crumbling ramps.

The Melbourn BMX club’s home at Grinnel Hill opened in May after years of hard work from BMX enthusiasts and the parish council to find a permanent place for members to practice in the village.

But dry weather in the summer meant the course soon started to crumble.

Chris Herrell from the club said: “When we officially opened the club last spring it was the middle of the drought. Because the jumps are made using natural chalk and clay, they can dry out, causing the ramps to crumble in dry weather.

“We are then faced with bringing the water in to help repair them, which can be expensive and difficult to transport, or closing the site altogether. A lack of water at the site also hampered us with putting on events which we hope will bring national awareness to the club.”

Parish councillor Jose Hales, a supporter of the club, got in touch with Cambridge Water, which agreed to install a water supply at the park under its donations and grants scheme, which provides donations and practical assistance to groups operating in the area.

Cambridge Water worked with its network partners Groupbridge and Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), to put the supply in place. They also had the support of local landowner Peter Norbett, who allowed a connection to be made to his existing water supply.

Jon Skeggs, a project planner for MMB, said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to work with Cambridge Water and Groupbridge to turn what was a desperate plea from the club into a tangible result which will help to cement its future.”