Plans to renovate the rundown skate park in Calne are progressing after a new working group was set up to work alongside local skaters.

The renovation of the park, off Station Road, is set to be a long process but councillors have said they are committed to the project.

At a previous meeting of the Calne Area Board, it was agreed that a working party, led by councillor Howard Marshall, would be set up to work with the youngsters to advance ideas to improve skateboarding in the town.

The group was set up after concerns were raised about the poor condition of the current skate bowl.

At a meeting of the board on Tuesday, Coun Marshall said recent talks with the skaters had proved beneficial, despite some negative feedback.

“We have met with the young people who use the skate park and first impressions that came from the meeting were not favourable with comments like ‘we’ve been through this before’, ‘nothing ever happens’ and ‘why should we get involved,’” he said.

“But by the end of the meeting, everyone was much more positive and we had some volunteers who will research the minimum standards for what a skate park should be.

“It is just the start of a long road but if we gain the support of the young people, then we must, as a town, give this project our full support.”

Groups of skaters have already visited Bristol to use the city’s facilities and will work with a designer on a layout for a new skate park in the holidays.