YOUNGSTERS in Ludgershall are finally going to get a skate park after five years of campaigning and fundraising.

Josh Northeast, Liam Boysen and Macauley Hollis launched a petition for the skate park in August 2006 and on Wednesday the plans were approved by Ludgershall Town Council’s finance committee.

The skate park is the result of years of hard work from many people in the community. Local children raised £10,000 on their own through various events, with help from local businesses including the Queen’s Head pub, and the town council has matched that amount.

They have also received grants from Tidworth Area Board and Aster housing company, which mean the project is ready to go ahead.

Young skateboard enthusiasts worked with the town council to decide what equipment they want to go on the chosen site at the recreation ground, including two half pipes, a ramp and a glide bar.

The proposal will go before the full town council for final approval on April 10 and then a work order can be issued to start moving in the equipment. It is hoped the skate park will be up and running by the school summer holidays.

Owen White, town council chairman, said: “The children have worked very hard at it and they liaised with us well. They’ve been quite sensible and it’s nice to deal with kids that appreciate what they’ve achieved and what we have done to help them.”