A new skate park, children's play area and outdoor gym and street snooker will open in Amersham on Friday.

The exciting new outdoor activity areas are part of the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre development - a new leisure centre being built in the town.

Work started on the controversial complex back in November last year despite fears from neighbours around Chiltern Avenue.

The first areas of the new leisure centre site - the children's play area, street snooker, outdoor gym and skate park - will be ready to use from Friday, July 10.

The areas will be owned and managed by Amersham Town Council.

Cllr Clive Harriss, Buckinghamshire Council cabinet member for sports and leisure praised the new facilities.

He said: “The Chilterns Lifestyle Centre project has been many years in the development so it’s absolutely fantastic to have these first facilities now ready to open for everyone to enjoy.

“Of course we’re still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, so social distancing and good hygiene practice is important for anyone using the new equipment.

"Please be responsible, keep your distance and take hand sanitiser with you to use.

“I’m delighted to hand these facilities over to Amersham Town Council to manage, and I hope residents of Buckinghamshire enjoy using them for many years to come.”

Amersham mayor Cllr Mark Flys added: "The new play facilities are a fantastic addition to King George V Playing Field, providing a space where children and adults can meet up, have fun and exercise outdoors.

“On behalf of Amersham Town Council, I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the process and for all their hard work in helping bring these new facilities that, I am sure, will have a long-lasting positive impact on the local community.

“Please be reminded to use the facilities with care most notably whilst social distancing measures remain in place.”