BLACKBURN’S new BMX and skatepark will be called ‘Junction4’, the town’s young people have decided.

It will open later this year at the former Blackburn Rovers Sports Arena off Bolton Road, next door to Darwen Vale High School.

The multi-purpose facility will be used by BMX bikes, skateboards, roller blades and scooters.

A consultation on the name for the park was held with 500 potential users.

Suggestions came in via social media and through local bmx riders and skateboarders via Paul Bury at the Cellblock.

The parenting group who brought the petition for a skate park to the Council were also involved in the discussions.

Finally, ‘Junction4’ was selected as the most popular. The tender process for construction of the new BMX / skate park at Blackburn Rovers Sports Arena is underway.

Award of the tender will take place later this month, with construction of the park on schedule to be completed in the summer.

At present, people have to travel to Preston and Manchester for indoor skate facilities and to Clitheroe and Blackpool for good quality outdoor skateparks.

The location is on the main bus route between Darwen and Blackburn, on a cycle route from the local train stations and for those coming from further afield, being just off junction 4 of the M65.

Council leader Kate Hollern said: “What a brilliant name for the new facility. It is great that young people are being involved in naming the skatepark and also the design as they are the ones who will be using it.

“It is sure to be a big hit with young people from the borough and beyond.”

Parent Liz Cook, who petitioned for a skatepark, said: “I am thankful the council embraced the suggestion for a skatepark.

“The borough has already seen success in the professional BMX field with five local lads, sponsored by Cell Block and International companies, who travel the world riding.

“The completion of the skatepark can only help increase the quality of riders that the borough will produce in the future putting Blackburn with Darwen firmly on the map within the rider community. “