A NEW skate park, designed by those who helped build a BMX track for the London Olympic games, has opened in Burnley.

The new wheeled sports arena at Hargher Clough Park is now open and ready for budding skaters from across the borough.

The concrete ramps and bowls provide a space for skateboarders, small wheeled scooters, BMX bikes and in-line skaters to enjoy.

Building started earlier in the summer and the cost of the project was £130,000.

Skaters were involved in the preparatory designs for the site at a series of workshops run during the planning stage.

The mayor of Burnley, Cllr Anne Kelly, visited the park to open the new area as part of a fun day at the community centre.

She said: “I think the skatepark is a fantastic asset for this area to have.

“The park is so well used so this is a great addition to it. The skatepark is something different and it adds a whole new dimension to the area.

“We are looking into getting some professional artwork put onto it too to help add to the overall appearance

“Skateparks are a great way for people to stay active and get outside, getting people outside is very important. It’s a really nice area and the job has been done very well.”

The park was the result of several years of fundraising by the Stoops & Hargher Clough Youth and Community Centre, who were supported by fundraising experts Proffits CIC.

The project was also funded from grants by Sport England, Calico, and the Lancashire Environmental Fund, with smaller contributions from Burnley Council and Lancashire County Council.

The construction was undertaken by Clark & Kent, contractors who have worked on projects all over the UK and Europe, including building the BMX track for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

This site will be the second skatepark area in the town, adding to the site in Queens Park in Belvedere Road.

Burnley Council’s executive member for housing and leisure, Cllr Ivor Emo, said she was delighted the park is now open.