A NEW skatepark for Melksham is now open for local residents to use after work on the facility was completed recently and is expected to attract youngsters from far and wide.

Local skater James Threlfall, who has been involved in the project right from the start, tried out the new facility for himself showing off some of his signature moves.

James said: “It is great to see the park open and I know it will attract people from all over the region and beyond. We have worked hard to ensure it caters for all users and ages, from those just learning to push off, to those up to pro level.

“The variety of terrain and obstacles mean people can ride the park in lots of different ways. I’m also delighted we have been able to include a hardstanding area which will allow events such as the Wiltshire Skate Series to be held here.”

Wiltshire Council portfolio holder for campuses, Darren Henry, said: “The skatepark is a fantastic new facility and with the school holidays in full swing it’s certainly great timing that it is now open.

“Melksham is really benefiting from new facilities and this skatepark is the next milestone in a programme of investment into the town for the local community.”

Work on the new skatepark got underway in April to replace the former skatepark at King George V playing fields. The work has been carried out by Canvas Spaces.

The new skatepark has been provided as part of Wiltshire Council’s community campus programme in Melksham.

The durable and modern skatepark will mean skaters no longer have to travel to other parts of Wiltshire or further afield in order to access a quality facility. It has been designed to cater for younger skaters and beginners through to more advanced skaters, offering a challenging environment, for all levels.

The investment of almost £10 million so far in Melksham includes the recently opened Oakfields – a state of the art football and rugby facility at Woolmore Farm, an improved Market Place which is currently being re-developed, and a new cricket pavilion, which will be shared with the tennis club.

Plans are also being developed for the provision of a new health and wellbeing centre on the Melksham House site, which will provide a range of services including leisure, a library and a new GP surgery.