A last-ditch bid to provide a skatepark on Rayleigh's King George V playing field is being made by the town council.

If its scheme is rejected by planners, local youngsters could have to wait a long time for a purpose-built facility.

A new plan for a hardstanding near the entrance in Bull Lane has been submitted to Rochford Council.

Two previous plans by the town council have been rejected and the district council was backed by a planning inspector over proposals for a skateboard site at the other end of the field near the doctors' surgery.

Rayleigh town clerk Barbara Larken said: "Members have decided that if this scheme does not go ahead, it is unlikely they will submit another one."

Mrs Larken said the latest scheme had been prepared after a visit to the field with the district council's head of planning, Shaun Scrutton.

Published Tuesday, April 15, 2003

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