Two Thetford charities have joined to encourage young people to cycle

An alternative site on which a long-awaited skate park could be built is being considered after talks about a site already earmarked have yet to end in agreement.

The skate park, which was granted planning permission in June last year, was due to be completed last summer on land behind Breckland Leisure Centre in Thetford.

However concerns around access and management of the park, which are the subject of ongoing talks between representatives from Thetford Town Council, Keystone Development Trust, the Thetford Healthy Living Centre and Breckland Council, have delayed the work.

A second site, owned by Breckland Council, is now being considered in a bid to deliver the facility as soon as possible, although its location has not been revealed.

Thetford town councillor and Moving Thetford Forward panel member, Corinne Fulford, said if the second site was suitable the next stage would be to go out to public consultation.

“Bearing in mind how much these young people, and all of us, have been let down, I wouldn’t want to go into the detail of the site until we know more,” she added. “I know it’s something the town council is very passionate about and as far as I’m concerned I will push the project forward as quickly as I can.”

Issues around the original site include the impact from noise or nuisance from the skate park, as well as people travelling to and from the building, the safety of the public when travelling across Keystone land, pedestrian and emergency access routes, as well as acoustic screening and a security scheme.

All parties have repeatedly reiterated their commitment to building the skate park, however, and £100,000 of Moving Thetford Forward money has been ringfenced for the project. Ms Fulford added said that if a second site was given the go-ahead, the original design could be used but that planning permission would need to be re-sought.

SHe added: “I’m more than aware that we’re no further forward but I think the worst thing for the young people, and this is just me having spoken to a number of them, is that they don’t understand why we’re no further forward.

“I can understand that they feel utterly let-down and I’m mortified by it.”