Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has announced that plans for a new BMX facility at Hook Road Arena in Surrey have been axed as a result of government spending cuts.

The proposed facility had been due to be funded using money received by the council as part of the wider Playbuilder scheme to provide natural play areas across the borough. However, the government's decision to withdraw funding from all year two projects yet to be committed to a contractual agreement means that EEBC has been forced to shelve its plans for the BMX facility.

Clive Woodbridge, chair of EEBC's leisure committee, said: "The council does not have the money to move the project forward and so the idea must be shelved until an alternative funding source can be found. "Enhancing services for our local young people is a priority for the council and we will continue our work on schemes and projects that encourage them to participate in sporting and cultural activities and to learn new skills."