A long-awaited skateboard facility should be taking shape within a few months.

Rayleigh Town Council finally won planning permission for the hardstanding in King George V playing field, in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, after a long-running dispute with Rochford District Council.

The two authorities were unable to agree on a site, and a Government inspector even had to be called in before a final compromise could be hammered out.

Rayleigh town clerk Barbara Larken said the council was making an application for money to Awards for All and was hopeful of gaining some funding towards the scheme.

She added: "We are also seeking funding from other sources for the facility, which is so badly needed in Rayleigh.

"We will be meeting with the company which will be installing the skateboard area to discuss some minor alterations to the original scheme. Officers from the district council's environmental health department will also be present."

It is hoped that a dedicated facility on the King George V playing field will help to combat problems caused by skateboarders in the High Street and in the area around the Mill Hall in Bellingham Lane.

Published Friday, June 27, 2003

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