GAZETTE & HERALD: SKATEPARK plans took a further tentative step forward last week, when town councillors agreed in principle to return the proposed site back to its owners.

The triangle of land at Westmead playing fields in Chippenham is currently the favoured location for a new skatepark, following the closure of the previous site at Monkton Park.

At a meeting last Wednesday night councillors agreed, subject to certain conditions, to return the portion of the site, which they currently rent from the Borough Lands, back over to the charity, so the planning process can move forward.

Details must still be ironed out

between the town council, North Wiltshire District Council and the Environment Agency regarding funding, safety, flooding prevention and possible effects on residents living in The Paddocks.

But this is the clearest indication yet that planning applications could be made in February, with a view to a skatepark opening this summer.

Mike Connolly of skateinsafety, the group campaigning for a new skatepark in Chippenham, said the meeting was "very encouraging".

He and his fellow campaigners, including a large group of young skaters and BMXers, are currently working on a plan for what they think a new park should offer, alongside professional skatepark designers Wheelscape of Bristol.

"We were concerned that the town council would agree in principle to hand the land back, but then forward it on for further consideration and delay the process for another couple of months," explained Mr Connolly.

"It's already over a year since the Borough Lands came up with the idea of using the site at Westmead, so we're very pleased that they agreed unanimously to get the ball rolling.

"We will be submitting our suggestions for what the park should look like and what it should contain at the end of this month, with a view to submitting a planning application next month.

"Obviously there are still tests that need to be carried out on noise and by the Environment Agency, but so far tests have had very encouraging

results. We hope the money would then be made available for the project in April."