WORK on Chesham's new skatepark can now get underway thanks to a £25,000 cash boost.

The money has come the project's way in the form of a Biffa Award, which gives funding to community projects throughout the UK.

The Paradigm Foundation has also donated £10,000 towards the cost of the project and Buckinghamshire County Council stumping up a further £5,000, with Chesham Town Council providing the remaining £30,000.

It all means work can now start on replacing the old skate facility in Lowndes Park this month, with a view to having it fully open in time for the Easter holidays.

Michael Rowan, Chairman of the Friends of Lowndes Park, said: "We are delighted that Biffa Award has agreed this major contribution to the new skatepark. The facility has been a long time in inception and our predominantly young skateboarders and BMXers have been incredibly patient.

"Now that this grant has been finalised, along with the very generous grants from the newly formed Paradigm Foundation and Buckinghamshire County Council, it’s full steam ahead for the new facility in time for the summer of 2014."

Chesham Town Clerk Bill Richards added: "The council was already pleased to have been promised support from the Paradigm Foundation and Buckinghamshire County Council. We are extremely grateful to our major partner, the Friends of Lowndes Park, in securing this generous grant from Biffa Award, to now make this project a reality.

"We look forward to this genuine community facility being in operation as soon as possible."

The new skatepark will be located next to the existing Multi Games Area and will also have a disabled accessible pathway to the Lowndes Park entrance to ensure mud is not brought in by wheels.