SKATERS are appealing to Uttlesford District Council to help finance the remaining £45,000 needed to replace an out-of-date skatepark in Dunmow. Dunmow Town Council agreed to recommend the project to Uttlesford District Council (UDC) for funding at the

SKATERS are appealing to Uttlesford District Council to help finance the remaining £45,000 needed to replace an "out-of-date" skatepark in Dunmow.

Dunmow Town Council agreed to recommend the project to Uttlesford District Council (UDC) for funding at the East Area Panel meeting held at Foakes Hall last Tuesday.

At the meeting town mayor, Frank Silver, said he "whole-heartedly supported the project" by Dunmow Skate Park Association.

The current park in Dunmow was erected eight years ago and Trudi Hughes, chair of the Downs and Commons committee said: "The present ramp needs updating in order to revive and retain Skate Park Association membership.

"Skating is still very popular but has really evolved since the current facilities were built. The fashion of the sport has gone semi-urban now using benches to go over and other challenges rather than just a ramp.

"A new purpose built skate park would incorporate all these state of the art features and revive enthusiasm in the sport."

Although the association has been given £15,000 funding - predominantly from Dunmow Town Council - it still needs to come up with the remaining £45,000 of the £60,000 needed for the new public facilities.

James Glen, 29, who has been skating for 15 years and the Chairman of Dunmow Skate Association for the last nine months said: "We have applied for the funding from various places, including councils, the National Lottery Sports Grant, Essex Environmental Trust, Stansted Community Fund - everywhere we could think of really!

"Having a new skate park would mean a lot to Dunmow and re-ignite interest for all ages. And sport of all kind should always be encouraged in this day and age."

Ms Hughes who made a presentation to UDC last week, to appeal for the potential funding of up to £30,000 told the Broadcast: "This project is imminently attainable. If we successfully achieve our funding, work could start in spring 2007.

"As the components are mostly pre-fabricated the new skate park could be ready for ready to use by summer 2007."

Ms Hughes added: "We are lucky to have our own association too as research has shown that towns that have them have minimal vandalism to their skate parks.

"Not only does this also give people of all ages somewhere to practice their sport but I strongly believe this will not only keep youngsters physically fit but also prevent them from hanging around bus stops and worse, and give them something positive to focus on.