REDDITCH’S long awaited BMX track will be opened to the public next month as part of a launch day being organised by Redditch Council.

Residents as well as BMX and cycling fans will get to see the new £320,000 facility in action on July 10 between 2pm and 6pm when demonstrations will be taking place.

Work on the new track began in February and it is hoped the new facility, in Arrow Valley Park off Icknield Street Drive, will be used by riders of all ages and abilities from across the region.

The track has been funded by Redditch Council and British Cycling, which will be using the track for competitions and coaching projects. The facility will be run by Redditch Premiers BMX Club and the Redditch Wheels Project.

The council's portfolio holder for leisure and tourism, Councillor Peter Anderson, said: “This track is the result of a lot of hard work by the three organisations and all of those involved have worked hard to bring it to completion in such a short timescale. Redditch now boasts not only the best skate park in the Midlands, but also the best BMX racetrack in the Midlands.

“BMX racing is a very exciting sport, and whether you compete or just watch, visiting the centre will be a very good day out. Hopefully, this facility will one day be used by Olympic hopefuls before the 2012 event.”

Steve Rooke, Redditch Wheels Project director and speaking on behalf of Redditch Premiers BMX Club, said: “The BMX venue will set the standard for BMX race tracks in the UK both in its design and the way it is managed. We have had so much good feedback in the test runs. We are already getting a lot of interest, even from the USA, and the local young people are very eager to ride it.

“Redditch introduced BMX into the country in 1980 when the first ever BMX track was built by Halfords at the same site. Now in 2010 we are opening a BMX venue that has the potential to develop world class athletes and link in with the 2012 Olympic agenda.”