After a long closure brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, a coastal town can look forward to the re-opening of much-loved outdoor activities later in the month.

In a newsletter released this week, Bungay Town Council confirmed that Bungay Skatepark will be officially re-opened on July 18, provided users adhere to the new Covid-19 safety rules.

The newsletter said: “Following a period of uncertainty about the skatepark’s future, a plan is underway to provide temporary refurbishment of the old skatepark whilst, at the same time, fundraising for a brand new park.

“A small group within the community, together with representatives from the Town Council, have got together to provide the town with a new state-of-the-art concrete skatepark.

“Following in the footsteps of Beccles and Loddon, Bungay Town Council has put together a community skatepark committee who are currently working hard behind the scenes to modernise the facilities.

“As with all fundraising initiatives, there is much to be done so please feel free to get involved – you might not be a ‘skateboarder’, but you might appreciate the fact that this free, outdoor activity provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in much-needed exercise!”

The news will come as a relief to people who have missed outdoor exercise during the lockdown period, with the government also announcing that gyms and outdoor pools can open with social distancing measures in place.

In addition to this, the town council has also made clear that the vandalised table-tennis table at Old Grammar Lane play area will be replaced, stating that the delay “is merely because of the current crisis”.

The tennis tables were installed last year at the Old Grammar Lane play area in Golden Close and on Meadow Road as part of an initiative with Suffolk County Council, but were vandalised within a week of opening.

The newsletter said: “Many in the community will have been shocked to see the mindless destruction of one of the town’s all-weather table tennis tables.

“This was a devastating blow.

“However, where there is bad news, good news often follows and, in this instance, we are delighted to advise you that the vandalised table will be replaced. Indeed, the new table is ready and the delay is merely because of the current crisis.”