Newtown is to have a brand new Skate/BMX Park after County planners approved a £95,000 project which will begin in the spring.
Conditional Planning permission was passed unanimously by Powys County Council yesterday (Tuesday) for the new facility which will be constructed at the entrance to Trehafren Fields, behind Newtown Police Station.
Although no start date has been set, it will take 12 weeks to complete but general landscaping has to be finished before contractors can start.
The news has been welcomed by town officials and youngsters alike who have endured a winter of job losses and proposed service cuts to the town.
Newtown County Councillor Russell George who was involved in securing the funding welcomed the news and said: “The funding and design for the skate park had been approved some months ago, but the location was the last hurdle and I am delighted that the planning committee voted unanimously to approve the plans”
“The skateboard and BMX area itself will cover 420 square metres and will include steps, rails and benches with a variety of slopes. Currently Young people congregate in the park grounds in an area which is not safe. This project will allow them to play in a planned safe area.”
Ezra Jordon who was part of a young people’s group set up to decide the final design said: “The plans look really good.”
Mayor Joy Jones has been campaigning against service cuts in the town and said this news will provide some welcome relief to the gloom.
She added: “It is wonderful news and has been long time in coming. I really hope that that the young people will enjoy it.”
Once the projected has been completed, the management of the facility will be handed over to Newtown Town Council.
PICTURED: Ezra Jordan, Newtown County Councillor Russell George and Kate Thomas