PLANS for a new Chippenham skatepark could at last be back on track, after the Borough Lands charity stepped in to end the stalemate.

In a surprise announcement at the latest Skateinsafety2003 meeting, on Monday at Redland School, Borough Lands trustee Dave Purton, said the charity is considering offering some of its land at Westmead playing fields, as a possible site for a new skatepark.

The news follows months of campaigning by Skateinsafety2003 for a new venue, after the existing skatepark at Monkton Park was closed following complaints about noise by residents.

Since the closure of the Monkton Park site, more than 20 other prospective sites have been deemed unsuitable by North Wiltshire District Council and Chippenham's growing number of young skaters have been forced to practise on the streets.

The proposed site at Westmead borders the River Avon, and was one of the sites previously discounted by the council, because it is on the floodplain.

But Mr Purton said the small piece of land, situated away from the football pitches and flanked by the river and Avenue La Fleche, matches the project's strict criteria, and, if the Borough Lands trustees agree, the plans could be given the go-ahead in two weeks time.

Skateinsafety2003 campaigners, Mike Connolly and Geoff Faulkner said they are overjoyed at the news.

"We were first approached by the Borough Lands about two weeks ago and we are over the moon that things seem to be moving along so well," said Mr Connolly.

"Borough Lands has informed us the plans will now go before its trustees, and if it is agreed, we will be looking to get started on the park as soon as possible."

Mr Purton said in recent weeks he has conducted a suitability survey on several of the sites owned by the Borough Lands in Chippenham, including land at Baydon's Lane, Monkton Park and Little Englands. But only Westmead fulfilled the criteria on access, sufficient distance from residential areas and other facilities such as public toilets.

He said: "The area is suitable in that it is already designated as a sports ground.

"Unlike Monkton Park, it also has facilities in place such as toilets, and because of the main road there is already a lot of background noise."

Gwyn DeAth, North Wiltshire District Council's head of leisure, who has been scouting prospective sites for the skatepark, said he was very encouraged by the news of the Borough Lands offer.

But he has concerns about the site's proximity to the River Avon and said that checks would have to be made with the Environment Agency on likely flooding.

Mr Purton said: "We will be looking into the question of the site being on the floodplain more closely, but there is always an option to raise the skating area above potential flood levels."

The meeting was also attended by district councillor Doreen Darby. She said the plans are fantastic news and pledged the council's continued support in the scheme:

"We have not given up on it," she said. "Provided we can find the best possible site for the skatepark, the rest of the funding will be found for it and I look forward to cutting the ribbon at the park when it finally opens."