GOOD news for skaters and BMXers – work has begun on an expensive new skate park in Rainham.

Diggers moved in on Cozenton Park and started work on the £178,000 park last Tuesday (August 3).

The grassy site behind Splashes Leisure Centre in Bloors Lane will feature a skate bowl and collection of ramps and rails.

There will be an area with benches for onlookers.

The park will not be lit at night, but will be monitored by CCTV from Splashes.

It is scheduled to open in November and will be open all year round during daylight hours.

It was designed by specialist company Greenstreet Design, which was behind a similar park in Dover.

The firm worked alongside local youths to draw up the plans for the Rainham park.

Medway Council community services chief Cllr Howard Doe was there to turn over the first piece of earth on Tuesday.

Speaking about the design, he said: "It sets a great example of what the imagination and determination of young people can achieve for themselves and their community."

Cash for the project has come from the Big Lottery Fund.