Work on town's skate park due to begin

Work is due to start on a new skate park for Maryport

Work to build a skate park along a town's promenade is due to start next week.

Contractors will begin building the facility for skateboards, scooters, skates and BMXs on 9 September in Maryport, Cumbria.

Residents have been calling for the facility for some time and the project was drawn up from a wish list put together by the town's Skatepark for Maryport panel.

Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer said: "Lots of consultation has taken place with future users of the skatepark to make sure this is a facility they can really use, rather than giving them something designed by people who have never set foot on a skateboard or BMX."

The design, which the council said was unique to Maryport, is to include ramps, ledges, boxes and rails and is designed so people can skate together, regardless of their skills.

The skate park will be built by a former toilet block, which is due to be turned into a cafe.

Both projects are funded through a £12m government regeneration plan.

Other projects include creating a new splash park, adventure playground and outdoor event space by the harbourside.