A CAMPAIGN in Ringwood to improve its skatepark has taken massive steps forward.

Ringwood Town Council’s policy and finance committee last week approved new designs for the skatepark at Carvers Playing Field and agreed to submit a planning application to New Forest District Council.

Teenagers in the town helped launched Campaign 4 Carvers Field in August and have been busy raising funds to support the project and made presentations to the council.

Rae Frederick, who is a mum of one of the skateboarders and has been leading the campaign with the young people, said: "We are delighted that the council has taken this seriously as our youth have to travel to Verwood, Winchester or Dorchester where they have fantastic concrete skate parks. This is not possible for everyone to do, and we have a skate park which with investment would be a fantastic facility for the community."

The project was awarded £250 by Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club with The Rotary Club of Ringwood pledging a further £1,000. A further £208 was raised at Ringwood Christmas Market and £400 during a SPUD day at Ringwood School.

Mrs Frederick added: "This is a fantastic start and we have lots of other things planned to raise more money, in the new year Shane Paull from McCarthy and Stone and the youth will be working together to raise funds for the Skatepark. They plan to hold an annual Skate Jam which will more than contribute to the upkeep of the Skatepark. The young people are full of ideas. I really hope the community gets behind us to provide our young people with a safe and modern facility."

The new skatepark will be built on the site of the existing one and there is £140,000 available from section 106 contributions.

The mayor of Ringwood Barbara Woodifield said: "As Mayor for 2014 I have been very privileged to see a number of projects come forward which will benefit our residents including the skatepark for Carvers Playing Field.

"It gives me even more pride to know that these young people are raising funds themselves to pay toward the skatepark and will be helping to fund future maintenance of the site along with organising events there. With the skatepark being alongside the soon to be built youth facility ‘The Place’ we hope it will be a fantastic focal point for all youth activities within the town.

To support fundraising efforts call Rae Fredrick on 07970 831881 or email rae.frederick@btinternet.com.

Alternatively, visit the Facebook page Campaign 4 Carvers Skate Park.