Long-awaited skate park plans ready for lift off

Plans for a long-awaited skate park look set to be finally given the go-ahead.

Last year, Breckland District Council said it would provide more than £100,000 for a project at Watton sports centre in Norfolk.

A report for the council's planning committee advised them to approve the 27-metre skate run on the basis that it would benefit the community.

Tina Kiddell, an independent councillor in Watton, said young people had been calling for improved facilities in the town for decades.

"I have a letter dated from the early 80s from boys – now local businessmen – who were asking the then mayor of Watton to help bring about a BMX facility," she said.

"It didn't happen and we've been fighting ever since."

The planned skate park will have a 27-metre skate run, including so-called handrails, quarter pipes, banked ramps and ledges.

To help pay for it, Breckland Council has pledged £107,000 raised from housing developers who have to provide money towards community schemes.

With the town council offering its unanimous support for the plan, a report for Breckland's planning committee recommends that it is approved on Tuesday.

Ms Kiddell said many people would be celebrating if the councillors followed that recommendation.

"The champagne corks will be flying if this goes ahead," she said.

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