WORK started this week on the construction of a new BMX pump track in Runcorn.

The facility, which is being built in Phoenix Park, is Windmill Hill Big Local funded in partnership with Halton Borough Council, Viridor Credits Environmental Company and the Landfill Communities Fund.

The development of the track is expected to cost £62,000.

Council appointed contractors, Horticon, began work on Monday by securing the area ready for construction.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for the Physical Environment, Cllr Ron Hignett, said: “It is anticipated that Horticon will be on site for six to eights weeks when we can then reveal a new facility for the youth of Halton to access.

“It will be a great new focal point for the park, which recently saw play equipment getting a disability friendly facelift.

“This is another good instance of Halton Council regenerating the area.”

A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by BMX riders.

The term ‘pumping’, is to create momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing the bike.

A Council ‘spokes’man said it was hoped the facility would be open by July 2019 and in time for the summer holidays.

BMX started in the early 1970s when children began racing their bicycles on dirt tracks in Southern California, drawing inspiration from the motocross superstars of the time.

And with construction set to be complete in July, it might be time to brush up on the lingo.