A former town mayor has urged residents to get their skates on and help young people raise funds for a new multi-wheeled rink.

A community appeal by TaviSkate and supported by Tavistock Youth Café is busy fundraising for the final £50,000 of £300,000 needed to replace the skatepark across the river Tavy from the Meadows park in Tavistock.

A considerable amount has been raised through numerous charity events over the past 12 months and town councillor Steve Hipsey, who was Tavistock mayor last year, is now asking the town to make a final big push to help.

He says young people are the future of a thriving town and they deserve a modern skate park to help boost their wellbeing and fitness.

Cllr Hipsey said: “TaviSkate is an ambitious local project which deserves much wider recognition and support. Tavistock's existing skatepark in Benson Meadow is now more than 20 years old. Its metal ramps are deteriorating, its surfaces are wearing out and it is increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. The volunteer-led TaviSkate group, working alongside Tavistock Youth Café and Tavistock Town Council, hopes to replace it with a modern, purpose-built concrete facility catering for a wide range of wheeled sports.

He added: “The government intends to restrict access to social media for children under 16 from next spring. Whether or not one agrees with this policy, surely we have a responsibility to provide young people with attractive alternatives. We frequently hear that children should spend less time looking at screens and more time outdoors, enjoying fresh air, exercise and socialising with their friends. But we must give them somewhere worthwhile to go and something enjoyable to do.

“This is not simply about providing a better skatepark for a small group of enthusiasts, but would cater for different ages and abilities, from beginners to experienced skateboarders, scooter and BMX riders, with provision for wheelchair access.

“It would offer recreation, exercise, developing skills, building confidence and making friends. Its concrete construction will make it quieter than the existing metal ramps. A modern skate park which young people can take pride in might encourage a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for the town.”

Despite Tavistock Town Council and developer contributions and successful fundraising, more needs to be raised through donations, fundraising and grants.

“I would like to congratulate the volunteers and young people who have worked so hard to bring this project forward,” said Cllr Hipsey. “A new skatepark will not solve every problem facing young people, but it would be a positive and lasting investment in their wellbeing and in Tavistock’s future.

“Tavistock must be rewarding to grow up in with the right facilities to make an enormous difference to younger residents and their families. Tavistock serves a wider rural community where access to recreation is limited, particularly to those not in organised team sports. The skatepark could make a real difference to their lives.”

Cllr Hipsey doing his bit by giving a fundraising talk entitled ‘What do you know about Water?’ at the Bedford Hotel on Wednesday, October 28 at 7pm in aid of TaviSkate. Donations can be made to the appeal at this link by Saturday, October 31: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/taviskate