Witney is set to get a new wheeled sports park, after receiving a grant of tens of thousands of pounds from a Norwich based charity.

FCC Communities Foundation has given a £57,975 grant to Witney Town Council.

The grant will fund a redesign of the skate park at The Leys Recreation Ground, adding fresh challenges and features for wheeled sports enthusiasts.

The leader of Witney Town Council, Councillor Ruth Smith, said: "This project will provide a real boost to the people of Witney.

"It’s fantastic that FCC Communities Foundation has awarded us this money and we’re really looking forward to our wheeled sports park taking shape over the next four months."

The benefactor, FCC Communities Foundation, is a not-for-profit outfit that awards grants for community-oriented projects via the Landfill Communities Fund.

The foundation’s grant manager, Penny Horne, said, "We’re delighted to be supporting the Witney, Leys Wheeled Sports Park project and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for the Town.

"FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon."

Work on the new park build will be undertaken by Bendcrete, represented by commercial director, Wendy Davies.

She said: "Bendcrete are delighted be returning to The Leys after constructing the original park 20 years ago."

The plans propose a versatile park catering to all ages, skills and wheel varieties, retaining much-loved elements of the original design whilst introducing fresh and challenging features.

Head of design at Bendcrete, Phil Russell, said: "The park will also offer lower-level ramps for beginners and be a safe space for everyone.

"It is designed to be very inclusive and will help develop riders’ skills.

"The new design was very well received at a community consultation, and we were delighted to take their feedback into the final design.

"It is an exciting time for wheeled sports with both skateboarding and BMX in the Olympics. The new wheeled sports park will offer a fantastic opportunity to develop local skills and opportunities for the local community."

The work on the sports park is due to begin in early 2024.

Councillor Ruth Smith added: "Bendcrete has listened to the community and come up with a design that unites the old and new, and really maximises the space.

"Witney’s young people are talking about the designs and seem aware and expectant.

"Let’s see what it enables them to do."