Dates have been announced for when Herefordshire’s only athletics track will be brought back up to competition standard following prolonged fundraising efforts.

Halo Leisure, which manages the 400-metre track as part of Hereford’s main leisure centre off the A49 Holmer Road, says it has appointed a main contractor and is now “finalising the finer details” of the project.

Its statement said it expects the work to begin this spring and to take around 12 weeks. The refurbished track will then welcome athletes and enthusiasts “in late summer”, it said.

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The new surface will be a UK Athletics-endorsed product, “incorporating cutting-edge materials and technology”, it added.

Laid in 1988, the track is regularly used by competitive athletes from local running and triathlon clubs as well as by recreational users, but its deteriorating state put its licence to host competitions at risk.

In December, Herefordshire Council agreed to give the project a £70,000 public health grant as part of its physical activity strategy for the county.

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In all, £600,000 has been secured to fund the work, the other funders including Hereford City Council, Sport England, England Athletics and the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

Over £32,000 was also raised through a local crowdfunding programme begun over a year ago, which was “instrumental” in gaining support from other funders, Halo said.

The money will also pay for improvements to field event areas alongside the track.

A new cycling track and extended skate park have recently opened next to the athletics track, boosting its position as an outdoor activity hub for the city.