Ref. 24725-08AFTER a long battle, skaters in Swindon are to get a permanent skatepark.

Parish councillors in Stratton St Margaret have agreed to hand over £30,000 worth of ramps and jumps to Swindon Council, which will install them at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

The parish council bought the equipment two years ago for a park planned for the Greenbridge recreation ground.

But the plans were scrapped after Swindon Council objected, saying a covenant on the land prevented play equipment being installed there without its approval.

Permission was never granted because of local concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour, and the equipment has been gathering dust in storage ever since.

Following a campaign by skaters, Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) Swindon Council's lead member for cultural services recreation, asked the parish council if it would hand over the equipment.

The council was reluctant, as members were still angry that the plans for the Greenbridge site had been blocked, but eventually agreed to pass on the equipment.

Coun Tomlinson said: "I am delighted the parish council has enabled us to start this exiting project.

"It will be a wonderful opportunity for skaters."

The park is likely to be installed in the Oasis car park, and will be fenced off.

It could open in February.

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council clerk Bob Blake said: "We are pleased it is being used and not gathering dust."

Skaters are thrilled. Dean Tregoning, 15, of Shrivenham Road, said: "I am chuffed. At the moment we travel to Lechlade or skate in the streets, where we annoy people."

Ben Stevenson, 16, of Northbourne Road, Abbey Meads, said: "We really want it, so I'm sure it won't get vandalised."

Tamash Lal