Work has begun on a new BMX and mountain bike course in High Wycombe.

The ‘Skills and Thrills’ course in King’s Wood will provide ramps and jumps for off-road cyclists and organisers are hopeful the work will be completed by late March.

Chepping Wycombe Parish Council chairman Jeff Herschel confirmed that the project, funded by a £10,000 grant from the Local Community Partnership, is well underway.

He said: “I’m very excited the project is progressing. It’s going to be phenomenal.

“It’s another great resource for King's Wood after completion of the bridleway last year. King's Wood is big enough to cater for walkers, wildlife and cyclists so I’m really happy we could provide this extra facility.”

The work is being carried out with help from the Community Payback Scheme, which orders offenders to complete mandatory unpaid work to benefit their communities.

The King’s Wood site replaces plans to build the course in Oak Wood, Flackwell Heath, after the proposed land purchase fell through.

The construction follows the demolition of the skate park in Flackwell Heath’s recreation ground, which began last week despite a local campaign to save the popular play area.

Chepping Wycombe Parish Council said the ramps in the park were located too near to residents, but Mr Herschel said that there will be no such problems with the King’s Wood site, which is hundreds of metres from any houses.