New skatepark opens in Suffolk

A SKATE PARK aimed at improving the quality of life for young people living in a village near Lowestoft was officially opened at the weekend.

Boarders and BMX bikers will now be able to hone their skills on the newly-completed park in Blundeston, which boasts pipes, banks, ramps and a grind wall.

Work on the first section of the park behind Blundeston village hall finished in autumn 2007 and now the second phase of the development is ready, providing a much-needed facility for bikers, skaters and boarders living in the villages north of Lowestoft.The initial idea to build a skate park in the village came from local teenagers who wanted leisure facilities close to home.

Project manager Wendy Dawson said: 'The young people were instrumental in getting this project going. It is great for them that it is now finished.'

Waveney MP Bob Blizzard, who officially opened the skate park on Saturday, said: 'It's great to see a new facility opened for the young people of a rural community. It helps keep them off the streets in a safe environment and provides an opportunity for them to get some exercise.

'People are often very concerned about village life today and we all want families and young people to stay in villages and to have a vibrant life here. If we are to keep village life alive then we need good facilities for young people, and Blundeston certainly has those.'

Parish council chairman John Nichols said: 'The parish councillors were very impressed by the young people who came along to our meeting to make a presentation to the council about the need for the skate park.

'We have been impressed all along by their good intent and by the fact that it has been driven from the bottom up by the young people.'

The project, built by Clever Curves Limited, was paid for by local fundraising, Blundeston Parish Council, Suffolk Environmental Trust and Foundation for Sports and the Arts.