Cycle and skateboard pump tracks upgrade begins

Work to upgrade two pump tracks at a former Olympic site has started.

Essex County Council said it was revamping and modernising the tracks at Hadleigh Country Park.

The course was designed specifically for mountain bikes and BMXs, but a council spokesperson explained that the redesign would make it more accessible for riders - of all ages - who also used scooters, skateboards and roller skates.

Council deputy leader Russell Quirk, of Reform UK, said the improvements "demonstrate our ongoing commitment to enhancing opportunities" for people to "enjoy the outdoors".

Hadleigh was home to mountain biking during the London 2012 Olympics.

The improvements will be carried out by contractor On Track – which designs bike facilities - and the council said it had invested £225,000 into the project.

Both pump tracks will remain the same size, but the surfaces and layouts will be upgraded.

These tracks have rolling features and banked turns to allow riders to generate momentum without pedalling.

The work is expected to be completed by the beginning of December, the authority added.

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