A new £20,000 BMX track is proving to be a hit with Dudley Wood and Saltwells youngsters.

The newly upgraded facility on the Black Horse site, off Dudley Wood Road, now boasts state-of-the-art BMX provision following the recent revamp.

The track was the subject of a lengthy campaign by Dudley Wood councillor Bryan Cotterill and the sporty BMX riders from the estates, who have been calling on Dudley Council to start work on the facility for more than 12 months.

But work finally started in April and the track was officially opened by Mr Cotterill and professional BMX rider and coach Alex Fowlie at a recent fun day, organised by Saltwells Youth Club and Groundwork Black Country.

Martin Smith, chair man of Saltwells Youth Club, said it was the young club members who asked them to upgrade the old track.

Martin said: “We managed to get £10,000 from the Birmingham Foundation Fair share Lottery Fund, which was match funded by Dudley Council.

“The children are over the moon with the track and it is being really well used. We have about 200 children on our books at the youth club and I think about 80 per cent of them are using the track.”

The club, which is based at Dudley Wood Learning Centre, is now hoping to set up a BMX team, with members looking to form a league with other areas, as well as inviting them to visit their new track.

Mr Cotterill said: “I am absolutely delighted that at long last we have got it open.

“It took a long time for us to get here but it is a joy to see the young people using it.”