The skatepark was first opened in 2006

A city BMX track will be upgraded to national standard after securing a funding a grant.

Preston City Council and the Preston Pirates BMX club bid for £37,593 to get the track in Fishwick improved.

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The money from Sport England will see the length of the track increased, better drainage works and floodlighting added to allow all-year round use.

Ian Brooks, chairman of Preston Pirates, said: “The club is over the moon at being successful in its funding bid to Sport England for Inspired Facilities.

“We have been the most successful BMX Club within British Cycling for the past four years now and the only thing we were falling behind on was our track not being up to national and international standards.

“BMX has come a long way since it was introduced into the Olympics in 2008 and the tracks have changed a lot, so the funding money will allow us to build a track that will be in line with present trends.

“We have worked hard on our coaching structure, giving us success at club level and helping riders gain individual honours too.”

The city council worked wth the Pirates on their bid.

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet member for environment, said: “This is fantastic news for Preston and its young people.

“As a council we are always trying to support local sports clubs who play a vital role in allowing young people to take part in activities. This is welcome news that the facility will be upgraded to meet the needs of Preston Pirates.

“I don’t think I will be having a go at any tricks myself; I’ll leave that to the young people.”

Alison Selfe, Sport England’s strategic lead grants manager for the North West, said: “Athletes of all abilities need the right equipment so that they can take up a sport, play and compete to their full potential. The new track will really help to get more local people taking up BMX cycling.”

The track was completed in 2006 and cost £60,000. The work to improve the track will start within six months.

Do you use the track? What do you make of the news? Let us know in the comments below