SKATERS in Cricklade are celebrating that they can now enjoy their pastime in peace, without the fear of toddlers running in front of them as they practice.

A new £6,000 security fence around the skatepark facility has been installed to tackle health and safety concerns.

Skaters had voiced concern that young children were wandering through the park to get to the play area at the leisure centre.

They were also frustrated that litter and debris was being left on equipment, making it dangerous to skate.

The skaters approached Cricklade Town Council about the problem which agreed to fund a fence, with help from the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board, The Red Lion Charity Fund and the Cricklade Business Association.

The £6,000 fence was unveiled earlier this month.

Terri Robertson, chairman of the Cricklade Town Council leisure committee, said: "This was really impacting on their skate park experience and with people walking across the park or leaving debris on the floor, it was becoming increasingly dangerous "The skaters were really responsible by approaching us because they were worried that they could easily bump into smaller children wandering through the skatepark.

"They were constantly having to stop their skating to watch out for someone or to remove debris, it was ruining their enjoyment."

Nearly 18 months ago the town council submitted a bid to Wiltshire Council for £30,000 funding to extend the park and resurface it. The bid was unsuccessful but Cllr Robertson said the council remained committed to improving the facility.

"It is incredibly popular with young people in Cricklade and hopefully the new fence is only the beginning of the improvements," she said.

"The skaters treat the facility with a lot of respect and we hope the fence is a sign that others should do the same."