Construction work has started on a new £181,500 skate and BMX park in Lowestoft, Suffolk, which forms part of a wider scheme led by Waveney District Council (WDC) to improve local play provision.

The Normanston Park facility, which is set to be completed by the autumn, is the result of a partnership between WDC, the Waveney Play Partnership, Waveney Norse and Extreme Adrenaline Sports Together (EAST), as well as the local community. Funding for the scheme has been provided through a £276,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund's Children's Play Programme, which is also being used to improve play facilities in Westhall, Barnaby and North Cove, and Blundeston.

EAST chair Nigel Pinnick-Smith, said: "Being involved at each stage means that there is a real sense of ownership amongst users and we are all excited to see work starting on site. "We will be popping back to check on how things are progressing throughout the summer and are looking forward to the Autumn, when we can actually use it for the first time."

Funding has also been provided by Waste Recycling and Environmental Group, Suffolk Environmental Trust and Lowestoft Together, as well as the Lakeside Coffee Shop and Smash Skates.