We are excited by the plans being put forward for an indoor athletics training centre at Saffron Lane. The report about this planning application to Leicester City Council is published on Page 17 of today's newspaper.
Saffron Lane stadium already has a superb running track, clubhouse and other athletics facilities.
The idea of developing that further with an indoor centre which could be used by track and field athletes in the winter, as well as other sports such as archery and weightlifting, is a good one.
It is also encouraging to see that this excellent project is being driven by the community through the Leicester Athletics Development Group, an independent organisation promoting participation in the sport and better access to facilities.
Leicestershire has huge strength in athletics, with many clubs catering for all levels, from grassroots to elite, and the support for this project shows the enthusiasm there is to develop the sport further.
As the supporters of this project point out, it helps to realise the aspiration for an Olympic legacy to follow on from the success of the London 2012 Games.
Everybody is keen for this to happen and for the example of the Games to encourage more people into sport, both for the sake of general good health as well as developing the elite athletes of the future.
However, that vision is reliant upon projects such as this to turn that ideal into reality.
So, we very much hope that the Leicester Athletics Development Group is successful in gaining planning permission and raising the funds for its proposal and we wish all those involved the best of luck.
On the subject of this area of Saffron Lane, however, it is sad to reflect that the old velodrome is no more.
It was once regarded as one of the best cycling facilities in the country, but fell into disuse before being demolished about four years ago.
What a shame that it has gone given the huge interest in cycling following Britain's success at the Olympics and the Tour de France.
