The City of Peterborough Swimming Club (COPS) recently introduced cycling into the fitness regime of their young swimmers. In order to keep the bicycles safe while not in use, the club successfully applied to the Secure Communities Scheme, receiving bike locks to keep their cycles secure.
COPS attracts swimmers from all over Cambridgeshire to train and compete regionally, nationally and even internationally. The club draws in members of all ages and from all backgrounds and levels of physical ability, all of whom want to swim to competitive standards. With around 50 swimmers attending each session, the club has had to be creative in keeping their swimmers fit over lock down whilst still operating within the Covid restrictions. This has included setting up outdoor conditioning sessions, with activities split between cycling and fitness circuits. All these activities involved using equipment outdoors and the club was concerned about the security of these items, including the bicycles. Their application to the Security Communities Scheme asked for help in locking up and protecting their bikes. They were awarded enough bicycle locks to ensure all could be safely stored when not in active use.
Ben Negus, Head Coach for the City of Peterborough Swimming Club commented: “Our young members are disciplined and committed to their swimming; this dedication has continued through the pandemic. The bike locks given to us by Burg-Wachter through its Secure Communities Scheme will help ensure that training, whether outside or inside, will continue smoothly for these talented swimmers.”
Mark Pearson from Burg-Wächter, the company behind the Secure Communities Scheme commented: “Burg-Wächter is known for its comprehensive choice of locking products as well as an extensive range of safes and post-boxes. We saw a rise in demand for such products during the Covid-19 lockdowns. We knew that communities would struggle to meet the unexpected cost of providing extra security during the restrictions, so we adapted our existing Secure Communities Scheme to reflect this need. Since the first lockdown commenced last year, we have provided over 70 security kits worth an average of £150 each to communities across the UK, with many more applications currently being processed. We hope the Scheme’s support for The City of Peterborough Swimming Club will allow their young members to continue thriving in the sport they love without any safety concerns for their bikes.”
The Secure Communities Scheme is now seeking more applications from community projects that are still affected by the pandemic restrictions. Any local initiative that is run by or supports the local community can apply. Successful applicants receive a tailored security kit to help secure property, premises, equipment or storage areas to the value of £150. Successful applications are selected dependent on their engagement with local communities, the impact of the lockdown on security requirements and the benefits that increased security can provide. Application forms for the Secure Communities Scheme can be found here: https://uk.burg.biz/community/. More information on The City of Peterborough can be found here: www.copsclub.co.uk