A LATE councillor’s “dream” for a park pump track is set to come true after £50k was awarded to the project near the anniversary of his untimely death.

Cradley and Wollescote Labour councillor Richard Body had launched a fundraising campaign for a pump track for cycles, scooters and skateboards in Homer Hill Park in Cradley just days before he died unexpectedly on May 9 last year.

The Friends of Homer Hill Park, a group he formed, vowed to continue the campaign as a tribute to Richard, with members overwhelmed when a £50k grant was awarded on Friday April 26 by the Enovert Community Trust.

The group has also raised £16k from donations and a fun day at the park in June.

A world-class track for mountain bikes, BMX bikes, skateboards, micro scooters and rollerblades will be built by the Autumn.

Dudley News: Cllr Tim Crumpton with cllr Richard Body Cllr Tim Crumpton with cllr Richard Body (Image: Handout)

Councillor Tim Crumpton, Chair of the Friends, said: “Just a year after we lost Richard this is incredible news for our community.

"I cannot thank the Friends enough who I now have the honour to chair for all their hard work.

"The track will suit all ages and is a fitting tribute to Richard who was Labour Councillor for almost 20 years and worked so hard for the area he loved."

A fundraiser at the park last June attracted around 350 people - many who completed sponsored runs and walks - with Richard's widow Rachael Body handing out medals.

Dudley News: Val Bloomer, Richard's widow Rachael Body and the couple's son Ash Body Val Bloomer, Richard's widow Rachael Body and the couple's son Ash Body (Image: Handout)

Val Bloomer, Secretary of The Friends of Homer Hill Park, said: “ We are absolutely delighted to announce that funding of £50k has been secured for the Pump Track.

"This, along with money already set aside, will bring about Richard Body’s plan to provide a great new facility for the park.

"It’s due to his foresight and determination that this is happening.

"Following his sudden death, despite their grief, his family were keen that the project should go ahead.

"It will be a lasting memorial, along with all the other park improvements achieved since he set up our group in 2007.

"He was with us every step of the way; two new play areas, benches, MUGA, a park building with changing rooms, exercise equipment, and a network of tarmac paths that only he could get through his connections as a councillor.

"His friend and colleague, Tim Crumpton, joined us to carry on his work with the park.

"He helped organise the June event, and it was his decision that we should go ahead and apply for the £50k, despite DMBC’s current problems, that put us in such a good position.

"The support given by the community has been amazing!

"We have to thank absolutely everyone who helped make the pump track possible; the high level of that support was so important."

She thanked Cradley Community Centre, Friends of Cradley Library, and Cradley Scouts who sent letters of support for the application.

Anyone who would like to join the Friends can contact Tim Crumpton.