Skatepark breakthrough for Cirencester enthusiasts (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Skatepark breakthrough for Cirencester enthusiasts

SKATEBOARDERS could have their own facility up and running in Cirencester by the end of the year.

And the skate park, at Kingshill, will be run and policed by the teenagers themselves.

Local boarders have waited for seven years for a purpose-built facility, complete with ramps, and they made a presentation to the town council in 2000.

Now, following discussions between the Ramp User Group (RUG), the council and Gloucestershire County Council's Cirencester youth leader Pete Smith, councillors have agreed to press on with the scheme.

During a presentation to members on Tuesday, Mr Smith said: "We have got some absolutely fantastic skaters here. It's giving them somewhere they can develop their sport.

"The young people have waited a long time for this. We've got to start backing our kids.

"I wouldn't swap Cirencester young people for any other group in the county - they're wonderful kids."

Some members expressed concerns that local troublemakers would take advantage of the fact that the youngsters themselves would manage the site.

But others said the facility should be given a chance and that he council ought to trust Mr Smith's judgement.

The skate park, which will cost around £50,000, is part of a £580,000 sports complex, which is being built at Kingshill.

The whole facility will also include, changing rooms, a groundsman's office, storage area and a "chilling out" room for the skateboarders.