THE vision for a skate park and activity zone in Chippenham could be realised, after Wiltshire Council backed a £1.1 million plan to revamp Westmead playing fields.

Chippenham Borough Lands Charity revisited its plans for the area, which were drawn up last year, and convinced the authority to provide a £200,000 grant towards the cost of a new skate, scooter and BMX park.

This week Cllr John Thomson, the cabinet member for communities and campuses, refused to talk to the Gazette about where the money had come from, given that the council’s cabinet decided last month that it could not afford the bill over more than £1m to repair the outdoor education centre at Braeside.

Under the new plans, which will be submitted to the council’s planning team by the end of the year, a bespoke climbing centre with indoor and outdoor frames will also be built at Westmead.on the site by Elkins Architects and CMS Project Manager and Surveyors.

“Following a hugely positive consultation last year, funding has been secured to proceed with phase one, the activity zone, bringing a vast range of physical and creative activities to the people of Chippenham and beyond, while helping put Chippenham firmly on the map,” said Phil Tansley, chief executive of the CBLC.

“Wiltshire Council has kindly agreed to fund the construction of a skate and scooter park designed by Bristol firm Canvas, which is a much-needed addition for the young people of Chippenham and will finally offer them the purpose-built space that they need.”

A wildlife trail and bird hides will be built on the fields and more than 1,000 willow trees will be planted to help prevent the fields, which are off Avenue La Fleche and close to the River Avon, flooding.

Chippenham Town Council has backed the plan, years after it first considered requests for a skate park.

Local councillors feel the scheme will bring much-needed investment into Chippenham and plug a gap in local facilities for young people in the town.

Sharing their joy this week, Cllr Thomson would only say: “We are pleased to support Chippenham Borough Lands Charity with its plans to deliver a new and exciting activity zone. We have looked at a number of options for the provision of a skate and wheeled sports park in the town and we are so pleased that this can now proceed.

“Wiltshire Council has agreed to provide funding to enable the skate park to be delivered as part of the wider scheme provided. It will be great for Chippenham and offer a wide range of activities for local residents and visitors.”

To submit your views log on to www.westmeadhub.org.