Youngsters on Canvey were ecstatic today after their 18-month battle to bring a brand new skatepark to the island was given the go-ahead.

Castle Point Council's planning committee last night gave the thumbs-up to the £100,000-venture to be built on green belt land next to the Waterside Sports complex in Somnes Avenue.

The site currently houses a crumbling cycle track which is barely used.

The new park will include better skateboard facilities and a toilet block, surrounded by a two metre high chain link fence.

Councillors agreed the park should be built on green belt land because the project was desperately needed.

Pleased Luke Walford, 16, from Ruskoi Road, Canvey, said: "It will be great to have a skatepark on Canvey because there really isn't anywhere for a lot of us teenagers to go."

Dennis Williams, of Canvey 2000, said: "This will be a great boost for our local youths who have been involved in all our fundraising events which have helped the cause."

So far around £50,000 has been raised and building is hoped to start by April next year.

Published Wednesday September 1, 2004

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