FANS of French boules have thanked Basildon Council for agreeing to build the district’s first petanque square.

The facility is being dug at Lake Meadows Park, off Radford Crescent, Billericay.

Petanque is played by over 17 million people in France, usually during summer. It involves throwing metal balls at a wooden ball or jack.

The facility, which is set to open in August, will cost £15,000.

It will be also be a boost to the park’s list of leisure facilities, which already include tennis courts, crazy golf, bowling, a multi use sports arena and children’s playground.

Kevin Blake, Basildon councillor responsible for leisure and arts, said: “On behalf of the council, I’d like to give a special thanks to Lewis Paul of the Billericay Petanque Initiation Group, who was instrumental in getting this project going.

“This facility is a welcome addition to Lake Meadows, and one I’m sure will bring joy to so many for years to come.”

As well as the council, funding for the scheme has come from Essex County Council Community Initiatives Fund and Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust.

Phil Turner, Basildon councillor responsible for resources, added: “I would like to thank our partners for contributing funding to the Billericay Petanque Initiation Group, which has got this facility under way.

“I’m sure it will become a much loved attraction for the whole district and form a central part of one of Billericay’s prime parks.”

Work on the square, which will be situated next to the bowling lawn in the park, near the tennis courts, will begin on Monday, and is expected to take two weeks.

There will be a formal opening for the public in August.