A NEW and improved skatepark for Fordingbridge is soon to become a reality thanks to a “great community effort” to bring the project forward.

It is hoped work to prepare the site for the installation of the replacement skatepark at the Recreation Ground can start in a matter of weeks.

Fordingbridge Town Council has been working with the local community to get the project off the ground, including local skatepark users, PCSO Stephen May, New Forest District councillor Roxy Matcham and others.

The Mayor of Fordingbridge, Paul Anstey, said: “As a council we would like to thank everyone who has been involved.

“It has been a great community effort to give us a skatepark that the community deserves.”

He added: “The community have always looked after the skatepark and there is a duty of care on our part to provide them with a new and upgraded version.”

The total cost of the project is about £130,000 and more than £100,000 of income and funding has been secured.

New Forest District Council agreed to grant £25,000 towards the skatepark project.

Fordingbridge Town Council has allocated £46,000 and a further £1,100 was given by Cllr Matcham from her district councillor grants. All the Cool Stuff in Fordingbridge also raised £700.

Maverick will be carrying out the work on the skatepark.

Fordingbridge district councillor Roxy Matcham said: “It is super exciting, I am so pleased everybody’s hard work has paid off and delivering the skatepark is now a reality.”

She added: “I’m really excited for Fordingbridge to have something nice and new where everyone can go to hang out and get skills.”

She also praised the work of town council finance office Martine Coatham who has been an integral part of bringing the project forward.

The existing skatepark was installed more than 15 years ago and is in need of replacing. The plan is to replace the metal structure with a concrete one, which will have a longer life span and lower maintenance cost.

Cllr Matcham and Cllr Anstey said the design was “very community focused” and there would be “something in there that caters for everyone” from beginners to more experienced users.