New skate park in Downham Market could open by summer

Youngsters in Downham Market could be enjoying a new skate park by the summer.

It has been more than three years since extreme sport fans tried out new tricks on their BMX bikes and skateboards in Downham Market after the skate park at the Memorial Playing Field was torn down.

But town councillor Val Starling, who chairs the town's skate park working party, said a new �40,000 skate park could be built in the town in time for the long summer evenings.

'The borough council removed the last skate park because it had fallen into disrepair and nothing similar was built to replace it, which was a real shame for young people here,' she said.

'At the time there was outcry from the skaters and we have been asking the borough council if we can have another one built ever since because there is a real need for it.

'It has really been an on-going thing over the last three years but we are really starting to gather momentum now as the borough council has pledged �20,000 towards the project.

'If all goes to plan I would hope the new skate park will be in place as early as the summer.'

Mrs Starling said the working party is now busily applying for grants to match the pledge by West Norfolk Council to maintain momentum.

She continued: 'We are working really hard to get the extra �20,000 we need as soon as possible because it has been a long time since the last skate park was taken down and I know a new skate park would be really well used here.

'We are also looking to meet with a few designers soon to come up with a design for our budget. We also want the young people to get involved with the design process as well.

'One thing that has already been suggested to us is to have ramps for beginners and those who are more experienced which we will pass onto the designers.'

The location of the proposed skate park is yet to be confirmed but the Howdale has been lined up as a possible venue.