REDDITCH’S long awaited BMX track has finally opened.

The £320,000 facility was officially opened at the weekend with a series of demonstrations in front of residents as well as BMX and cycling fans.

The track, in Arrow Valley Park off Icknield Street Drive, will be run by Redditch Premiers BMX Club and the Redditch Wheels Project.

Steve Rooke, Redditch Wheels Project director, 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.”

Work on the new track began in February and it is hoped the new facility, will be used by riders of all ages and abilities from across the region.

It has been funded by Redditch Council and British Cycling, which will be using the track for competitions and coaching projects.

Mr Rooke added: “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.”