GAZETTE & HERALD: A NEW skatepark in Chippenham for the summer holidays is now highly unlikely, but campaigners believe the project could still be on track for the autumn.

Members of Skateinsafety, the group representing young skaters in Chippenham, said they are close to unveiling an artist's impression of their vision for a new skatepark by the River Avon at Westmead Playing fields.

But group spokesman Mike Connolly said unavoidable delays meant it was unrealistic to open a park in time for the school summer holidays.

"We have had several groups of young people working on plans with a skatepark designer, to make sure it caters for as many skaters' needs as possible," he said. "But, as the designer works voluntarily, it has all taken a little longer than we thought."

"It looks unlikely that the park could be built in time for the summer holidays.

"The best case we would look at would be having the park running by the middle of autumn, with building work starting at the end of the summer.

"Nevertheless, we are happy with how things are proceeding and we don't want to pre-empt the planning process, although we do hope that a design for the park, set against a photograph of the existing site, could be ready in the next few weeks.

"We are also very mindful of making sure that the wishes of residents are considered we want to satisfy the wishes of local people," Mr Connolly said.

Gwyn De-Arth, countryside and community facilities team leader at North Wiltshire District Council, said that timescales involving contractors and the supply of skatepark equipment meant the chances of a summer opening were low.

He added that further noise assessments were also required.

"The council is very conscious that many youngsters are keen to use such a skate park facility, and youth facilities have been identified as a priority.

"However the skatepark must be carefully planned in an effort to meet everyone's expectations," he said.

Some noise assessments have already been carried out at the site, but residents of The Paddocks, whose homes look out on to Westmead Playing Fields remain firmly against the plans and have demanded more tests.

Earlier this month around 30 residents voiced their concerns when they met members of Skateinsafety and Coun Carol O'Gorman, North Wiltshire council's lead member on youth.

Residents believe the site is already too noisy because of its close proximity to the Avenue La Fleche.

They have asked for reports of other sites which have been considered and rejected and say they will fight the plans all the way.