Plans for a skateboard park in Tenby took a further step forward this week, with town councillors giving the go-ahead to designate a site for the proposed scheme.
Clr. Mike Evans, one of the people spearheading the campaign for the park, met last Wednesday with Emma Heard, from the community regeneration department, and also with children and parents who will be forming the official club, to discuss funding, the site meeting held at the Salterns and what the club should be called.
"The next step is to formally designate the site we have proposed at the Salterns area to Pembrokeshire County Council and with a set of plans for what the skate park might look like already drawn up, everyone at the meeting was delighted with the progress," said Clr. Evans at Tuesday night's meeting of the town council.
"We will be holding another meeting next Wednesday at the De Valence, where we hope to officially form the club, with a view to naming it the Tenby and Saundersfoot Skateboard and BMX Club, as we have received support and interest from, not only people in Saundersfoot, but places like New Hedges and Manorbier as well," revealed Clr. Evans.
Estimated cost of getting the base and concrete down for the skate park is between £15,000 and £18,000, but the club will be able to receive match-funding for whatever amount they can raise towards the scheme.
Clr. Mickey Folland, who recently visited a similar style park in Haverfordwest, fully supported the plan, but suggested the club should consider a back-up site in case the proposed one was turned down.
"I visited the Haverfordwest skate park last year and they receive huge attendances as it has proved so popular with the youth in that area," stated Clr. Folland.
"The one thing I would suggest is that the proposed site in Tenby should be a big enough area to allow for the park to be expanded or developed, should it need to be in the future, as the Haverfordwest park accommodates three areas, designed for beginners up to more experienced skaters.
"Maybe a back-up site could be considered, possibly where they have proposed to put the bus depot at the Salterns Car Park, just in case they refuse the nominated site area on the grounds of it being a light industrial estate," he said.
With fund-raising essential to the skateboard club, Clr. Evans welcomes any ideas for events and publicity to help raise the money, and has already suggested Sunday, August 22, at the harbour area, as a possible day for a fund-raiser.
The plans for the skateboard and BMX park are on display now at Tenby Cycles and Skateboards, for anyone wishing to view them.