A NEW skate park is set to be built at the site of the former Warrior Square swimming pool after permission was granted.

After five years of discussions the plans have finally been approved for a wheeled sports centre including skateboards and BMX bikes.

The park will be almost as big as four tennis courts and will provide a purpose-built location.

The council’s deputy leader James Courtenay has spearheaded the development of the skatepark.

He said: “This is an area that has always been used for activities so it is not unreasonable to develop the skate park here but obviously if issues do arise then we will deal with them as they come along.

“This has been five years in the making and it is good that it has gone through.

“Now I am just looking forward to getting started on it.

“I have always been conscious of there not being enough activities for young people in the town and I think they can also be quite under-represented which leads to us not providing enough activities for them.

“People often complain about kids hanging around street corners but if there is nothing for them to do then that’s not really unreasonable.”

Concerns had been raised about whether it would have a negative impact and a petition was signed which stated the open area had been helpful when air ambulances needed to land.

There have also been concerns about crime in the area including violent, sexual and drug offences.

Council officers said in a report that the concerns had been noted but were not a reasonable basis for refusing to grant planning permission.

Before work commences the council will engage with young people who are likely to use the park, as well as equipment providers to refine the plans to make sure the equipment installed is the right type and right quality to provide them with a facility they will use and cherish.