WORK has begun on an £180,000 skate park in Bolton town centre.

The skate park in Dawes Street was closed in September for preparatory works.

The new park — funded by Bolton Council — will measure 1,275 square metres, almost double the size of the current facility. The new design will see the park near Morrisons extended across Dawes Street, and the footpath from Great Moor Street to Morrisons will be diverted.

The park is currently used by skateboarders, BMX bikers and scooter users. It was opened by Bolton Council in 2007 following a campaign by young people.

Freestyle Skateparks Ltd, based in Hertfordshire, is building the skate park and the design has had input from park users.

A group of 12 skateboarders were involved in the selection process for Freestyle and in the design. The space has been designed to accommodate all disciplines, skill and age levels together in one safe place.

Planning permission for the new project was granted in August, 2013. The project is expected to take about 12 weeks to complete.