PLANNING permission has finally been approved for a skatepark to be built in Chippenham, thanks to public support and a speech from a 10-year-old.

Over 200 letters were submitted in support of the skatepark, and aspiring skateboarder, Isaac de Berker, spoke out in front of over 100 people at the meeting.

Regarding the proposed skatepark at Westmead playing fields, the Ivy Lane pupil explained at the planning meeting that he has been skating for seven months and it is 'hard to find places to skate'.

He said: "There isn't much to do in Chippenham for young people.

"Most of the time, kids have to stay at home and do nothing.

"I've wanted a skatepark in the town ever since I started skating last December.

"I was pretty nervous before speaking at the meeting but I wanted to do all I could to support the new skatepark.

"Thank you to everyone who supported this project!"

The aspiring skateboarder, from Greenway Gardens, practices for two hours everyday and one day hopes to be sponsored by a skating company.

Isaac's mother, Charlotte Watkins, is also delighted the proposal was approved.

She said: "This is really good for the children of Chippenham.

"It means us parents no longer have to keep driving across Wiltshire to the skateparks that other towns have.

"The fact it's free will also make it accessible to everyone."

Being built at Westmead playing fields, at the end of Westmead Lane, the proposed facility will see an outdoor skatepark, indoor climbing centre, outdoor climbing wall and cafe come to Chippenham and will be designed by Elkins Architects.

Cllr Tony Trotman, who chaired the planning committee, said: "It's absolutely brilliant, youngsters have needed a skatepark for many years.

"I was so impressed that Isaac stood up and spoke out, he was extremely brave to do it."