WORK will begin this week on a �100,000 investment scheme to revamp a much-loved town centre park.

For years Sudbury Town Council has campaigned to ensure no recreation sites in Belle Vue Park were lost to new developments.

Last month Babergh District Council confirmed that they would invest money to move the BMX track to another location in the park and would expand leisure facilities for people of all ages.

Jo Seymour, Babergh’s horticultural officer, said: “Belle Vue Park is the jewel in Sudbury’s crown and we are delighted to have been able to work with the townspeople of Sudbury and the town council to develop the ideas that arose from the consultation last summer.

“This is only the first phase of many and Babergh is looking forward to continuing to develop further ideas over the coming years.”

The work, which could be finished by Easter, includes a new children’s play park, sand pit, climbing nets, adult fitness equipment, new toilets, landscaping work and a new access gate facing the town centre.

The cost will be covered by �25,000 of investment from capital funding and more than �80,000 of Section 106 money - secured from developments in the town such as the Tesco supermarket extension.

Sue Brotherwood, Sudbury’s town clerk, said confirmation that the money would be spent on the park was a cause for great celebration in Sudbury.

She said: “We have fought for many years to make sure we retained all the facilities in our beautiful park. Our main concern arose when we were told we would have to find an alternative site in the town for the BMX track but now we have nothing to worry about.”

She added that Babergh had listened to the people of the town and proved that they wholeheartedly supported their wishes.

The site of the old swimming pool in the park, currently used as the BMX track, will be redeveloped at a later date and could include housing, apartments or business premises.