ALCESTER'S long-awaited new £80,000 skate park should be completed within a matter of days. 

Work to install a new state-of-the-art skate park to replace the tired old equipment, which was repetitively targeted by vandals, started on April 25 and it was confirmed it should be finished on June 10 with an official opening set to take place at the end of the month. 

It marks the latest step in a five-year long journey, which saw youngsters from Alcester Youth Council driving the project with the support of the town council. 

Funding for the project has come from Section 106 money from the Redrow development off Kinwarton Farm Road. 

Alcester Town Council managed to secure £180,000 towards improving facilities on Jubilee Fields following the occupation of the 100th home.

This cash boost was received towards the end of last year.

The new skate park, which has been designed and made by Bendcrete Leisure, is made of concrete and expected to last about 30 years, whereas the previous equipment had a steel frame with a wooden surface with about an eight-year lifespan. 

Councillor Jim Kenyon, facilities committee chairman, said: "The skate park has always been a top priory for the young people and with their guidance on the designed we were able to push forward with this project."
A spokesman from Alcester Town Council added: "The money will be spent on a number of improvements on the Jubilee Fields, including new play equipment, improvements to sections of the paths as well as the skate park.

"Some of the older equipment from Jubilee Fields is being refurbished and re-sited on our other play areas with the vision for all the play areas to be improved by the time of the school summer holidays.

"Two concrete pipes have also been removed following health and safety advice.

"Alcester Town Council would like to thank the residents for their patience and understanding during this time."

Plans to build a new skate park date back to 2011 when the planning application was first processed.