A campaigning group of Rayne youngsters are hoping their plans for a skateboard park for the village will get the go-ahead this month.

The 30-strong team is waiting for the green light from Braintree District Council so that work on the park, to be sited on the Oak Meadow playing field, can start later this year.

This week Rayne parish council clerk, Joy Sheppard, paid tribute to the young people, aged between 12 and 15, who have worked closely with parish councillors for over a year to get the scheme to the planning stage.

"This is the children of Rayne's project," Mrs Sheppard said. "They started the ball rolling and they deserve credit for what they have done so far and help to achieve their aims. They have just gone from strength to strength in their campaign, trying their hardest to do this.

"As a parish council we are very impressed and believe this project is a positive way forward for young people. It has been started by them and led by them and I think that, as adults, we are obliged to support them."

Mrs Sheppard explained that a group of young people approached the parish council over a year ago to ask for more facilities in the village. A well attended public meeting led to the setting up of the Millennium Skateboard Ramp for Rayne working group, which brought together both young people and adult villagers in committee.

Throughout the planning stage the youngsters have been busy fund-raising by hosting local events, Mrs Sheppard said, and now have over £500 to help pay for the project.

Parish council support has resulted in the purchase of a second skateboard ramp and applications for millennium funding are planned.

The group has also been involved closely in planning the new facility, holding site meetings and consultation sessions.

She explained that once planning permission is secured, the ramp can be brought from Saffron Walden to its new home. Under adult supervision the youngsters will work to dismantle, then re-erect the ramp.

They have also planned a concrete skating area, seating, fencing and litter bins for the new park.

Plans for the project have been lodged with the district council by Rayne parish council.

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