A PROJECT to improve one of the town's sporting facilities is close to fruition after a three-year campaign.

Okehampton Skate Group is a body of young people who meet at Room 13 to discuss the future of the skate park area in the town.

Over the last few years the group has been fundraising and planning for a new modern and exciting plaza at the town skate park at Brayhams Terrace.

The proposal is now to incorporate new skate ramps and stairs made out of concrete into the existing skate park facility, to add variety and provide a range of levels so that all young people can use the park regardless of their skill level.

The team has raised around £45,000 for the project, including a £35,000 donation from Okehampton United Charity received earlier this year.

Money has also been raised through fundraising events, including a community open day at Room 13, and through securing other grants such as £1,000 from the Co-operative's Community Fund.

As well as receiving ongoing support from the team at Room 13, OCRA and Okehampton Town Council have also supported the project as it has progressed.

The project looked under threat a few months ago, after the group's initial plan to develop a new skate park met planning difficulties.

The group had applied for planning permission to build a new skate park on land adjacent to the existing skate park facility. It would have also been made out of concrete, but the application was withdrawn following a noise assessment, and the future of the project looked under threat.

The skate group is now looking over two design proposals to improve the existing park and decide upon which is preferred, and will then formally apply for planning permission.

Cllr Christine Marsh, who has been an advocate of the project, said: 'These designs are adding to what is there.

'The group is cutting costs down by using existing concrete and creating an extension to what is there. They are incorporating the old and the new to greatly improve the existing skate park.

'The youngsters have been waiting long enough, for nearly four years.

'They have worked jolly hard to raise money and get the plans to this stage. I propose we support them on this and do what we can to make this happen.'

Stuart Lord from OCRA, who built the existing park equipment, said: 'OCRA is keen to support anything that helps to improve sporting opportunities for people in Okehampton, and that is the same here.

'It was frustrating for the group that their original plan to build a new park never got past the planning stage, but they are now looking to build on what is already there and improve what is there.

'Over the last eight years the park has developed into a fantastic place for young people to carry out a healthy and vibrant activity like skating.

'It is phenomenal to see so many people down there using a great local facility. The skill level of local skaters has also improved massively since the park was installed.

'It is great to see a really positive project like this.'

Town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies said: 'Anything that is beneficial for the youth community of Okehampton has to be a good thing for the town. It is nice to see such things happening that will support town youngsters.

'A lot of people use the current facility, that is for sure. I have been up there with my son a few times and it is always busy, with lots of young people using the facilities at the park.

'It is also very good to see youngsters coming to us with their proposals on what they want, and what they think will bring something beneficial for Okehampton. That is something we could certainly use more of.'