Boys celebrate successful Burton Latimer skatepark campaign

A pair of teenage boys said it was "absolutely amazing" that a skatepark they campaigned for had been opened.

Alfie and Jamie, both 13, started their bid for the park in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire, two years ago and gathered "thousands" of signatures in support of the plan.

They took their petition to a council meeting and the facility has now opened in the King George V Recreation Ground.

The town's previous skatepark was targeted by arsonists in 2019.

Alfie said they took action after growing frustrated with having to travel five miles (8km) to Irthlingborough to ride their scooters.

"It's absolutely amazing. I never thought we'd be here right now and I'm so happy," he said.

"People though it would be good for the community to have something else in Burton [Latimer] because all there is is parks."

The skatepark, which cost about £45,000, features a double half-pipe.

Jamie said: "I thought they [the council] wouldn't build one because the last one burnt down. We went to local shops to try and gather as many signatures as possible from people to support our petition."

Alfie's father, Steve, said he was "immensely proud" of the boys.

"They were convinced they wanted to get something here," he said.

"They just chipped away, carried on and it's great to see the finished result."

Murray Scott, a member of Burton Latimer Town Council, said: "We first met the boys when they were 11 years old and came to a full council meeting to present their thoughts.

"They put forward a pitch that was worthy of Dragon's Den and, as they left the room, we clapped them and simply said we have to help them achieve what they want to do.

"We allocated the funding, but it was the support they gathered from the community which pushed the whole thing through. It shows what teamwork can achieve."

Follow Northamptonshire news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830