Sam Ritchings, Peter Sealey and Dave Clydesdale check out the new park Picture Ref: 77588-14YOUNG people in Cricklade now have a purpose-built skateboard park after a five-year campaign.

The park has been built near the youth centre in Stones Lane and teenagers in the town have given it the thumbs up.

Funders for the project include the town council, North Wiltshire District Council, Biffa Waste Services and the National Lottery.

Town clerk Margaret Griffiths said: "I'm thrilled the youngsters have got something they really wanted.

"They've waited a long time for this. So long, in fact, that one of the young people involved at the beginning is now finishing his degree at university."

Although the skatepark was officially opened yesterday, it has already seen some use.

Mrs Griffiths said: "It's already very well used and there's no squabbling or arguing at all.

"We have already had some graffiti, which is sad. We want young people to manage it, feel that it's theirs and look after it."

One of the people heavily involved from the start was former town councillor Richard Roberts.

Although no longer on the council, when he stood down he specifically asked to carry on with the skateboard project.

Mr Roberts, 60, a former youth officer for Swindon, said: "This is absolutely fantastic. It has been a long time coming and even longer for the young people.

"It's really nice to see the town council putting the effort behind providing this facility for young people.

"Although some of the young people who did the original research for the park have moved on from the town, others will now have the chance to use the purpose-built equipment."

The five-year history of the campaign involved extensive public consultation including several public meetings.

Young people were involved from the beginning, producing their own designs and taking part in town council meetings on the subject.

The go-ahead was given by the town council in October 2003.

Stephen McCormick, of Rosburne Consultants, produced a feasibility report for the project.

Mrs Griffiths said: "We couldn't have got where we have today without Stephen.

"It was as a result of his report that we were able to approach funders with a professional proposal."

Skater Dave Clydesdale, 19, of Calcutt Street, said: "The park's amazing. Everyone is well happy with it. It's all we hoped for and more."

Dave Andrew