Dartford's Central Park athletics track has undergone a major refurbishment with a £290,000 funding boost for new facilities.

Council leader Jeremy Kite and members of the Dartford Harriers Athletic Club (DHAC) officially opened the new and improved track last week.

The improvements give the club a safer environment along with being able to offer a more varied programme and securing a legacy for the growth of the club.

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Coun. Jeremy Kite and DHAC president Tony Durey admire the new track.

Club president Tony Durey said the refurbishment project has made a real difference to the club.

He said: We expected growth in membership leading up to the 2012 London games but never dreamt we would see it treble.

"The investment by Dartford Council has ensured our aspirations may continue through to the games in Rio and beyond. Our renaissance has begun."

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Dartford Harriers celebrate their new facilities.

The new facilities include improvements to the running track, wheelchair access, additional floodlights and new pole vault equipment.

Coun. Kite added: "It’s fantastic to be able to help the Athletics Club to be able to offer more to its members and visitors of all ages and abilities. The track has a long history and it is great to know that it will be able to serve future generations."

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