Work has started this week on the hotly anticipated new Sidmouth Skatepark and wheeled sports facility at Manstone Recreation Field.

Sidmouth Town Council appointed skatepark consultant and builder Maverick Industries Ltd. who produced a design for 'a truly top-quality facility' for use by all ages and abilities.

Maverick's workforce moved in on site on Monday and the existing facility will now be demolished and replaced on the same site with a renewed state of the art, sprayed concrete facility incorporating ideas and designs from the wheeled sports community and users.

Councillor Louise Cole, Chair of the Town Council's Youth Provision Working Group said: "Children and young people in Sidmouth told us that a new skate park was high on their wish list during the Neighbourhood Plan consultations.

"It really is fantastic that work is now starting so that we can provide a top notch space where young people can pursue their passions and be active and social which as we all know is good in equal measure for health and wellbeing.

"This project is a partnership between young people in Sidmouth, Sidmouth Town Council and the community benefiting everyone, developing young people's skills and a sense of pride in their place and attracting visitors which benefits the town. I know it is generating quite a buzz of anticipation, so look forward to it being open for use."

The new facility is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by Sidmouth Town Council who are funding the project together with S106 funds made available by East Devon District Council.

Weather permitting, it is anticipated that works will take around 12 weeks and be completed by the end of the year.