WORK on a new urban sports facility in Andover will begin next month.

The Smannell Road development has been given the go-ahead by Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee.

Contractor Maverick has been appointed to deliver the new skate park and will begin work at the end of July.

Councillor Ian Carr, leader of the borough council, said: “I am delighted that we are in a position to begin work to develop the new facility.

“It has long been my ambition to deliver a new concrete skate park for Andover and I am pleased that this has come to fruition.

“The popularity of urban sports continues to be on the rise and this will be a fantastic facility for people to practise and develop their skills.

“I look forward to work commencing on site and the opening of the facility later this year.”

Last year the council announced plans to build the Andover facility on part of S h e p h e r d s Spring Lane car park, which is significantly under-used by motorists.

But later in the year the plans were dropped.

The change was made after the council undertook a feasibility assessment of the site and there was significant local opposition.

Money would also have had to be spent on mitigation work.

Plans for the new site were unveiled at a skate jam last year and were enthusiastically received.