Three projects are underway in a village, including building a BMX track for youngsters.

Silver End has attracted £55,000 for two projects and a plan is in the pipeline to start up a youth council in the village.

Braintree Council’s Capital Projects Programme has dished out £45,000 to replace play facilities at Silver Street Sports Ground and Essex County Council (ECC) has given a £10,000 grant to help make the village safer.

Last year Silver End Parish Council approached Braintree Council to request that funds be allocated towards refurbishing the old BMX track at Temple Lane.

A public consultation was carried out which involved a letter drop to all 1,600 homes in the village, to gauge where residents would like to see the money spent.

Several hundred replies confirmed residents were 60/40 in favour of the BMX track. Police and ward members are also supportive of the scheme.

Last week ECC, which took part in a community consultation event in Silver End last year, announced the £10,000 grant.

Jane Carey, who runs the Children’s Centre in the village, said the parish council, the Children’s Centre and residents involved with the parish plan are now working together to improve the village.

She said work on the BMX track had not started yet and a committee needs to be formed to get the ball rolling.

She said she has approached the parish council about starting up a youth council in the village and deciding where to spend the £10,000 from ECC is a “work in progress”.

“It is really positive,” she said. “It’s all going well in the village and there’s a lot of good work being done.

“If anyone wants to get involved in any of the projects please get in touch.”

To have an input call 01376 587960.