A NEW £400,000 skate park is set to open “within weeks” as part of a £1million investment to improve a park.

Work is nearing completion on the long-awaited new skate park at Lake Meadows, Billericay, after residents campaigned for “better facilities” and for a replacement skating area.

The old wooden skate park in Lake Meadows was removed after constant vandalism and an arson attack where it was set on fire.

Now, it has been revealed after months of work, the new skate park will open “within weeks”.

Alongside the £400,000 skate park, half-a-million pounds was spent on a new play area and £100,000 has been spent on new changing places and toilets.

A video on Basildon Council’s Facebook page showed workers in action as they began to lay down the new skatepark.

Jeff Henry, Conservative councillor responsible for health, wellbeing, leisure, arts, and culture, said in the video: “We have turned this now in a very, very short space of time from a pile of mud to a working building site that within a few weeks will be open to the public.

“Every time we have been here, they have made monumental change and process, and it is coming along really, really well.”

The design of the new skate park was drawn up using feedback from residents and young people, including those who used the old facility.

Phil Turner, Conservative Billericay West ward councillor, added: “We are delighted.

“We had this planned many years ago when I was leader, but before we could put it into effect, we lost control and Labour alliance stopped the investment into Billericay.

“It is a dream come true and to deliver it for our younger generation is something we have all been passionate about.

“I hope it is well used, and I know that those that do use it will appreciate it.

“This is part of the wider scheme of things in our Lake Meadows strategy, with £400,000 on the skate park, £500,000 for the new play park, and £100,000 on the changing places.

“Our aim is for Lake Meadows to continue to be a jewel in our crown.”