A planning application has been submitted for a long-awaited skatepark that has been the subject of 30 years of campaigning.

The recently-formed Cromer Skatepark group has put in plans for the facility between the pitch and putt and the zipwire at The Meadow.

The application includes a vigorous defence of the young people, who would use the facility for skateboarding, scootering and BMX biking.

It says: 'The need for a skatepark facility in Cromer dates back 30 years and can no longer be accepted as a passing fad. A dedicated care of youngsters and parents recently created their own unofficial skatepark at the former Kiddies' Corner at North Lodge Park, which attracts up to 50 local youths.

'Antisocial behaviour and all other hyped-up issues relating to young people have been proven to be non-existent at the unofficial skatepark. The only complaints have been about the impact noise caused by the homemade ramps.'

Skatepark committee secretary Penny Gee said the drive to provide a facility for the young people of Cromer was 'gathering pace'.

She said an application for funding had been made to North Norfolk District Council's Big Society Fund, which was set up this year when the council decided to redirect funds that previously went to community partnerships.

Mrs Gee added that the group's first two fund-raising events - a car boot sale and a barbecue - had raised �300.

The skatepark campaign recently took a leap forward when the unofficial facility was set up at the former Kiddies' Corner.

After concerted pressure on Cromer Town Council and NNDC, a meeting last month resulted in the identification of the site at The Meadow as a possible location.

NNDC, which is licence-holder of the site, said it was prepared to transfer its ownership if the campaigners formed a 'properly-constituted organisation' - a move that was made within days.

The young people will be allowed to continue to use the temporary facility until work begins on improvements planned for the park in early summer.

The planning application promised that the skatepark would be a 'hub for community life', and added that the size design of the concrete ramps was dependent on the amount of money raised, with other designs varying from �32,000-�200,000.