PLANS to build a new £200,000 skateboard park have been given the go-ahead.

Civic chiefs have approved an application to replace an existing skatepark that occupies part of the recreation ground in Whitefield Road, New Milton.

It comes just weeks after council bosses in neighbouring Lymington were given permission to borrow £100,000 towards the cost of a similar facility.

The New Milton project was approved by the district council after attracting 13 letters of support from people who described the existing skatepark as outdated.

Under the scheme the current metal ramps will be dismantled and replaced by quieter concrete ones in the centre of the recreation ground.

A report to councillors said the present facility was close to flats at the eastern end of the sports field, which resulted in residents suffering noise and disturbance.

It added: “On the face of it the location now identified appears less likely to cause problems due to its more isolated location.”

Councillor Mike Humphries, representing the applicant, New Milton Town Council, said the existing skatepark was the most used facility in the town.

He added: “It was built in 1998. It’s done its job and is now nearing the end of its useful life.”

Referring to the replacement of skateboard parks elsewhere in the UK he said: “Concrete skateparks are being built by councils all over Britain. Residents don’t generally report any noise-related issues.

“There have been no objections to this application.”

Cllr Paul Woods, who represents part of the New Milton area, added: “Without any doubt it will be a lot quieter.

The noise from the current metal ramps is quite astounding. The new facility will be of great benefit to the town and to the youngsters.”

Speaking after the meeting the town clerk, Graham Flexman, said the skatepark was due to open next February.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Lymington and Pennington Town Council is also planning to replace a metal skateboard park with a concrete version.

The existing skatepark at Woodside Park is due to make way for a larger version on the same site.

The Government has given the council permission to borrow two thirds of the money from the Public Works Loan Board, which funds local authority schemes. Council chiefs are hoping to raise the rest of the cash by obtaining a grant from either Veolia or Sport England.