Air fence at the Essex arena.

Arena Essex has proudly announced the purchase and installation of a permanent air fence for the Arena Essex speedway circuit.

The safety structure is the first of its kind to be installed in the British Premier League, allowing the Kent Sweepers Hammers team to emulate many better funded outfits in the speedway world.

"This is yet another first for Arena Essex Speedway," delighted co-promoter Colin Brine said. "We will be the first track in the Premier League to have an air fence and I am thrilled to say that it is scheduled to be installed in good time for our opening home meeting on Good Friday.

"We promised our fans that we would get action and we are delivering!"

An air fence has been in operation for the past two seasons in the world championship grand prix series and is seen as a major step forward in improving rider safety in what is one of the world's most dangerous and exciting sports.