THE OPENING of a new athletics track has been tripped up due to the wet and windy weather.

The 400m circuit at the £18m Middlesbrough Sports Village had been due to open last week, but the adverse weather means that has been postponed, resulting in a delay in applying the specialised running surface.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “This will be a fantastic facility for the people of Middlesbrough and the region as a whole, and we are determined that all work on it will be carried out to the highest possible standard.

“It is therefore critical that the final work on the track is undertaken in the right conditions to ensure it is fit for purpose and has the longest possible life.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank members of the public for their patience.

“This will be a first class facility of regional importance, and we look forward to opening it to the public at the earliest opportunity.”

The new track will open for public use with temporary changing facilities before the sports village hub officially opens in the Spring.

It will feature an athletics field and stadium with a track and spectator seating, full-size artificial pitch along with grass football pitches, four five-a-side artificial pitches and a fitness gym and a sports hall offering multi-functional sports and performance spaces. Work on a new 250m outdoor velodrome is also due to start next year.