A controversial new skate park has received funding of £50,000.

Brighton and Hove City Council is currently creating the space in the north half of The Level as part of a £2.2 million revamp.

To help fund it the Veolia Environmental Trust has awarded the local authority a £50,000 grant.

Pete West, the council’s environment committee chairman, said: “The skate park will form an integral part of the restoration of the park as well as providing substantially improved facilities for skaters of all ages and abilities.

“There has been a skate ramp at The Level since the 1970s so it is part of the park’s heritage, but the old facilities have been in poor condition for many years and need replacing.”

The new skate park will be built of polished concrete and sunk into the ground on a lawn area to the north of the Rose Walk.

Thousands of people signed petitions against the plans under the banner of Keep The Level Green.

Work will start in January and lighting, seating, bins, cycle racks and signs will also be installed as well as plants around its boundary.

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