PLANS to revamp a Ferndown skate park are gathering support thanks to young people from the town.

Scooterists, inline skaters, skateboarders and BMX riders have joined forces with councillors to create the Skate Park Action Group, which is seeking to raise £100,000 for a new concrete bowl at the King George V Playing Fields.

A petition calling for financial support has already gathered more than 70 signatures.

Cllr Steve Lugg, who is the treasurer and lead fundraiser for the group, said: “This is a priority for young people in the Ferndown town plan, and supports active and stronger communities.

“I ask local people and organisations to help us in partnership raise the money required for this new bowl.”

He said times have changed since the original skate park was put in place.

“The current park was technical 15 years ago,” he said. “The amount we need may sound like a lot, but a concrete bowl has a 50-year life-span. It makes a lot of sense. It would also be the best option for multiple sports, including BMX and inline skating. We’ve got a lot of young people in Ferndown and it would really mean a lot to them to see this put in place.”

The calls for a refurbished skate park come just weeks after Turndown at Ferndown, an annual event which saw 200 people visit the skate park.

Cllr Lugg said: “The Ferndown Skatefest is the next big event on May 25, and we’re expecting even more people to come along. It just shows how well-used this facility is.”

The first sponsors of the facility are Baileys Estate Agents, who will donate £75 to the action group for each sale they make.

The chairman of the action group, Steve Cartwright, said: “We are determined to make this happen. If we don’t, we will be letting down our youngsters.”

To get involved with the action group, or to make a donation, contact Cllr Lugg on 07449 883871 or email cllrsmlugg@rocket mail.com