SKATEBOARDERS have welcomed the district council's decision to pledge over £14,000 towards building a skatepark in Malmesbury.

North Wiltshire district councillors from the Malmesbury area awarded the funds to the Malmesbury Riders and Skaters Action Group at a meeting in Crudwell last Wednesday night.

If Malmesbury Town Council approves the scheme, a skate park could be built in White Lion Park by this summer.

Action group member Sue Alexander said: "I am delighted with the decision. There are a lot of children who skateboard and roller-blade who will welcome it.

"Society is making everything so controlled these days, but kids want to be able to express themselves and this is one way of doing it. It is something that is badly needed in Malmesbury."

Fraser Goodfellow, 14, who attended the meeting was delighted with the outcome.

Fraser, who lives in Corston, said: "I am very happy. It means there is somewhere to go and I will now have somewhere to skateboard.

"I know lots of people who will want to use it. For example, I have got friends who just go to Bath to skateboard. Skateboarding is great because it is good exercise, it is fun and it is challenging."

District councillor John Thomson, who is leading the project, said the concrete skatepark would cost £16,431 to build.

It will include ramps, steps and railings to ensure users' safety.

The action group has already raised £7,500 for the scheme. This, together with the district council's £9,130 plus another £5,000 next year, means funding is now in place.

Coun Thomson told the meeting: "Skateboarding is not a crime. We are always giving young people stick.

"Now let's give them a carrot. We have talked about a skatepark in Malmesbury for nine years but still have not delivered it. It is time we nailed this one.

"We have chosen White Lion Park as the location because it is leased to Malmesbury Town Council until 2038 and is accessible to the majority of skaters.

"This skate park will give young people something to do. It is good healthy exercise and if people think it turn them into drug-addicts and sex maniacs, then that is absolute nonsense. The proposed skatepark is very strong and quiet, being 60- 90 metres away from the nearest property."

Coun Thomson added: " The kids in Malmesbury have been dreaming of this. I have met the police and they are happy with the site."

Deputy mayor Jacky Martin said: "We are really desperate for a skatepark in Malmesbury. There are a lot of kids who we need to restore their faith that politicians are doing something for them."

Malmesbury Town Council's deputy mayor Jacky Martin and councillor Ray Sanderson also supported the play park.

Coun Sanderson said: "I welcome it. I can see the majority of councillors supporting it and, as the park is off the road, it will be much safer the children.

Coun Martin added: "We are really desperate for a skatepark in Malmesbury.

"There are a lot of despondent kids who need to have to their faith restored that politicians are doing something for them."

Residents living near the proposed site have cautiously supported the scheme. Andrew Pottinger, of White Lion Park, said: "I welcome the skatepark, but with caution. If it were not properly maintained and looked after then I would not be happy. I also think it needs to be lit up."

Cora Wright, also from White Lion Park said: "I do not object to new facilities there but I think some residents may object because skateboarding creates quite a rowdy noise."