Work on a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Sudbury ahead of the installation of a new skate park will begin on Monday.

Town and district councillors and Babergh District Council officers joined contractors Caloo at Belle Vue Park on Friday to mark the breaking of ground as work began.

The first phase will concentrate on the new games area, providing an enclosed tarmac surface for park users to play games such as five-a-side football and basketball.

After completion in early October, work will continue on the new skate/BMX park, replacing the previous skate park with an up to date flow-style facility.

The park will be opened to the public later this year following completion of the second phase of work.

Jan Osborne, deputy leader of Babergh District Council, said: “We’ve been working with the community here in Sudbury for a long time to be sure we understand what is needed, what is used and what residents want in Belle Vue Park.

“The work starting is the result of a lot of hard work by everyone involved, which has been instrumental in driving the project forward.

“I want to thank the community groups and residents who have taken part and brought us to this stage. I can’t wait to come back and see these facilities open and in use by the people of Sudbury by the end of the year.”

Margaret Maybury, Babergh District cabinet member for communities, said: “Belle Vue Park has been loved and cherished by users over decades.

“Our young people have asked for and engaged with councillors, to develop new and modern games and sports areas.

“We have now put a spade into the area of Belle Vue Park where a new MUGA will be built.

“This work will be followed by the construction of a new skate park for our active community to use.”