After 12 years of waiting, skateboarding fans will finally have their own outdoor park in Devizes again when it opens later this month.

Work started in early August on the new skate park next to sports pitches in Green Lane.

The project has been funded from developer contributions secured through the Devizes Area Board, which has led the search for a new site for almost three years.

Devizes mayor Sarah Bridewell, who has been involved in the campaign, said: “A lot of people have worked very hard for a long time to make this happen and it will be so nice to see it being used and enjoyed.”

The new site was given planning permission in July by Wiltshire Council, and since building began the town council has heard from many young people on its Devizes skate park Facebook page about how excited they are for it to open.

Coun Bridewell’s eldest son Scott, 14, said: “I am looking forward to coming down here with my friends and to meet other young people from across the county.”

Devizes Area Board manager Richard Rogers said: “Four years ago when I got involved with this it really didn’t look like it was going to happen as all the possible sites had been rejected.

“But we refused to give up and now it is about to open, which is fantastic.”

The project cost around £148,000 with an extra £14,925 spent to lessen the noise, including earth sound barriers.

A new access path is being created and three pieces of traditional play equipment are also being installed.

The official opening will be on Saturday, October 18, when the mayor will be joined by councillors Laura Mayes and Peter Evans, who have supported efforts for a skate park in the town for many years.

Professional skateboarders from Bristol will also attend on the day to try out the park and give demonstrations.

Devizes’ last outdoor skate park, in Hillworth Park, was removed in February 2002, after a neighbour won a civil court case over the noise caused.