Work begins on skatepark

The skatepark should be open for use in February

A new skatepark is being built with the help of a group of young skateboarders, BMX riders, and inline skaters.

The group of 11 to 20-year-olds formed the Thatcham Skatepark Project in 2002, to help West Berkshire Council take the proposals forward and to choose a site, at Dunstan green.

Subsequent donations and grants, including from local businesses, town and parish councils meant bulldozers were finally brought in to begin the £30,000 project on Tuesday.

Among the fund-raising projects was a rock concert staged at Kennet School.

Recreation development worker Mark Taylor was assigned by the council to support the group.

West Berkshire Executive Councillor John Farrin said: "It's good to see district and town councils working in partnership with others to achieve such positive outcomes for the community.

"The skatepark will no doubt prove to be a highly-valued facility."

The park should be open for use in February, when further fund-raising is due to begin for three larger ramps.