SKATERBOARDERS in Greenwich will be able to leave the streets behind when a purpose-built new park is completed.

The £65,000 project, in Horn Park, set to be finished by the end of October, will mean skateboarders no longer having to travel as far as north London to use a skatepark.

Funding from the South Greenwich Regeneration Agency, Greenwich Council and the Groundwork Trust has been secured and planning the facilities can now take place.

A survey of youngsters in south Greenwich found 49 per cent of respondents cited lack of available activities and cash as problems. The free park aims to alleviate part of this, as well as cutting vandalism and graffiti in the area.

Youngsters from the area have been working on the scheme for the past six months and gained the support of MP Clive Efford, who helped lobby the council.

Chairman of the South Greenwich Regeneration Agency Councillor Pete Challis said: "I'm pleased young people are involved in the design, delivery and maintenance of this project.

"Our regeneration agency and the council look forward to harnessing their skills and talents for future youth projects."

Once the park is completed, it will become the responsibility of council parks and open spaces, but Groundwork will look into ways of involving youngsters in the maintenance and development of the site.

July 16, 2002 12:00