SKIPTON skaters are a step closer to achieving their goal of a new skatepark - thanks to a £25,000 donation from an environmental trust.

The money from The Veolia Trust, which likes to support projects aimed at modernising existing facilities, takes the total raised so far to £62,000 towards the£100,000 target.

"This is great news for our campaign," said a spokesman for Save Skipton Skatepark. "We are confident we will reach out goal, the new skatepark will be a great asset for the community, and we're thankful to everyone for getting behind us."

The existing skatepark, which is situated next to Craven Pool and Fitness Centre Car Park, was closed earlier this year following a visit from accident prevention specialists, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

It is now being dismantled before a new one can be built in its place.

Designs have been drawn up between the council and users of the skatepark and work will start once the money has been raised.

The money from the trust has meant the council raising its proposed donation of £25,000 to £37,500. In order to qualify, the council needed to come up with half o f the remaining cost of the project.

Cllr Carl Lis, the council's lead member for communities, said: "This grant brings us one step closer to going ahead with the project. The improvements will provide a dedicated space where young people can practice wheeled sports without disturbing other members of the community."

Paul Taylor, executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, said: "We are pleased to support this important project.

"Facilities like this one encourage young people to socialise and enjoy outdoor exercise, and it is one of our priorities to help projects that bring them up to modern standards. I look forward to seeing the improvements take shape."

The Save Skipton Skatepark group, which is part of Craven Youth Council, has been raising money itself through a cafe at Skipton Town Hall, a car wash and bag packing. It has even had the support of council chief executive, Paul Shevlin who ran Manchester 10k race for it.

The group is currently waiting to find out whether its application for funding to Sport England has been successful.

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