A dream of building a new skate park in Watton has been given a £107,000 boost.

Breckland Council has announced the grant for Watton Sports and Social Club's skate park project.

Councillor Phil Cowen, Breckland's executive member for finance, revenue and benefits, said: “We are delighted to approve this funding for a project in Watton, which has been developed after a long period of local discussions around how potential funding could be used and possible locations for a facility like this. 

“The proposal has been fully supported by our local Watton ward members, Councilor Alison Webb, Watton Sports and Social Club and from the Breckland Youth Advisory Board (YAB), who have been incredibly passionate about seeing this project come to fruition for local young people." 

The club's plans are for a forked 27-metre skate run to include handrails, quarter pipes, banked ramps and ledges.

The money comes from housing developers via Section 106 agreements, which are made to fund infrastructure.

A planning application for the skate park will soon be submitted and construction could start later this year.

 

Eastern Daily Press: Phil Cowen, executive member for finance, revenue and benefits at Breckland CouncilPhil Cowen, executive member for finance, revenue and benefits at Breckland Council (Image: Mark Bullimore Photography 2017)

Mr Cowen said: “With the collaboration from local partners, I feel this project will offer young people a fantastic space for them to enjoy skating.”

Tobi Amadasun, from the sports and social club, said he was delighted about the grant.

Mr Amadasun said: “This is an exciting opportunity to provide a space for youth within the community and surrounding villages to socialise, as well as partake in sporting activity. 

“Watton has waited for funding to deliver a skate park, and the joint work between Watton Sports Centre and Social Club, Breckland Council and Breckland YAB will help deliver an exciting project. 

“We look forward to getting the work started.”