AFTER 12 years of campaigning, a new skatepark in Warminster has finally been given the green light by the town council.

Nearly a quarter of a million pounds will be spent on the skatepark that has been designed by the town’s youths to replace the current one in Lakeside Pleasure Grounds.

Keen skateboarders had criticised the park’s poor condition and 600 people signed a petition for action to be taken.

The project will cost £230,697, of which £59,073 will be paid for using money given to the town by developers through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Warminster resident and advocate of the project Chris March said: “I am happy with the proposal before us. The skatepark has always been successful in the town and think it will be once again. These skateparks always have a shelf life but the current one is around 25 years old now. The biggest issue has been that of funding, but we appear to have that, so I hope it is approved.”

Speaking at last night’s full town council meeting, Cllr Chris Robbins said: “We are very happy we are using CIL for this project. Thank you to the Area Boards and the Youth Network for their grants towards this project. Let’s hope this project gets off to a flying start.”

Unitary Cllr Tony Jackson said: “The proposal seems affordable and rational.”

Warminster Mayor Tony Nicklin confirmed the project would be entirely funded through grants and would cost nothing to taxpayers.

The project was launched by the Friends of Warminster Park in 2007 but was officially taken over by Warminster Town Council in 2018. In 2016 the Campaign 4 WarminsterSk8park was set up by schoolboy Ben Mitchell, 14, and his friends, who raised £10,000 towards the bid.

Work is set to begin on May 1 with a grand opening planned for September.