Top-class skate park gets major boost from council

PLANS for a top-class skate park in Carmarthenshire have received a major boost after council chiefs pledged to cover up to half the project’s £500,000 cost.

The executive board heard that the Riot Skate Park project at Tumble Park would be managed by Llannon Community Council along with a committee comprising young people in the area.

The community council and other bodies such as the National Lottery will be asked to contribute funding.

Executive board members were told the skate park concept has considerable backing from young people in the area, and that the nearest comparable facility was more than 40 miles away in Haverfordwest.

Referring to the title of the skate park, deputy council leader Mair Stephens said the group which initiated the idea was called Riot.

“It’s great to see the number of partners who have been consulted,” she said.

The community council is working on a masterplan for Tumble Park, and has been granted a lease by the county council for the land where the skate park would be created.

The facility would be capable of hosting topclass events, be suitable for all abilities, and CCTV would be installed.

The funding pledge of up to £250,000 is subject to receipt of a detailed business plan and confirmation that the full funding package has been secured.

Council leader Emlyn Dole, who is a Llannon community councillor, declared an interest before the item was discussed and did not take part or vote in the debate.