NEW running events are being developed in Wythall after a parkrun trial's unprecedented popularity meant it had to be cancelled.

Sports development officers at Bromsgrove District Council organised the event in Wythall Park in September, while seeking a new venue for the group, but had to drop the event when 350 runners turned out.

The council has since confirmed no permanent venue could be found, but that it is working with Wythall Community Association, which runs the park, to develop alternative, more manageable events there.

John Godwin, head of leisure and cultural services, said: "Trying to find local spaces big enough for parkrun is always an issue.

"If you compare the likes of Brueton Park and Arrow Valley, they are triple and twenty-five times the size of Wythall Park and can accommodate hundreds of parkrunners, their cars, their need for toilets and so on every week. Those parks are in a whole different category.

“We are however continuing to work with the Wythall Community Association to try and develop other opportunities for local residents to participate in sport and physical activity there, because there is clearly demand for it.”

A spokesperson for Wythall Community Association said: “Wythall Community Association welcomes the recognition that our small community park struggles to meet national parkrun requirements, and would suffer disproportionate damage.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with district council officers to find a local solution for local runners.”