A sporting star today expressed his delight at the news that a popular running track will soon be up and running again.
Professional decathlete Dean Macey, who has won silver and bronze medals at World Athletics Championships, says he can't wait to see the doors swing open at the facilities next to the Waterside Farm sports centre on Canvey.
He said: "It is about time.
"Mind you, even though it has been closed, there have still been a hell of a lot of people jumping the fence to do their training - me included.
"But it will be good for everyone once it officially opens again. The sooner the better."
Yet Dean, 25, who is getting into shape for this August's World Athletics Championships in France, feels the closure of the track has surprisingly proved a positive thing.
He said: "In the past, maybe it was underused. But since it has been closed, it has generated a lot of publicity, and that may have helped to bring it to people's attention."
Castle Point highways and leisure committee revealed that a risk assessment had been carried out on the track and ongoing repair work should see it reopened within four weeks.
Published Thursday, June 5, 2003
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