PLANS for a new skatepark in Chippenham have been supported by the town council following an impassioned meeting between residents of Monkton Park and local skateboarders.

Speaking on behalf of the dozens of skaters who attended the meeting last Thursday at the Town Hall, youngster James Jones said: “We’re definitely for the skatepark.

“I think this one will be quieter as the last one was made out of metal but this is concrete which is a lot quieter. I definitely do think we need the skatepark.

“We often get in trouble for skating in places because we have nowhere else to go. People tell us to go to a skatepark but the nearest one is a 20-minute drive away.”

Councillors voted six to one – including one abstention – in support of the application, which will now go before Wiltshire Council.

The plans, designed by Wheelscape, are for a sunken concrete skatepark with timber screening to limit noise as well as seating and soft landscaping.

The site would measure approximately 25 x 35 metres and would be located in Monkton Park.

The previous skatepark was closed more than a decade ago due to noise and residents received thousands in compensation.

A number of residents from Monkton Park attended the meeting to raise concerns about noise and antisocial behaviour as well as the affects on wildlife and possible flooding.

Peter Bishop, a resident of Monkton Park, said: “I’m concerned about the noise report, it looks to be somewhat flawed and I ask you to seriously look at it.”

Councillor Chris Caswill added: “I believe this is a rather poor application, is it up to the job? I don’t think it is.”

A number of residents supported the plans. Michael Bucky, a school governor, said: “I’ve read every objection on the website and there seems to be some concern about drugs, alcohol and antisocial behaviour. These are all assumptions people are making, not facts.”

Councillor John Scragg, who was chairing the meeting, said: “I think the people of Chippenham have waited long enough for this facility.”