Hopes of providing a skateboarding ramp for youngsters in Clacton have been dashed for the time being - but fresh efforts will be made in the New Year.

Skateboarding fans called on Tendring Council to come up with a ramp and even offered to help raise some cash themselves.

There is no money for a scheme at present but the council's leisure services department has promised to keep it under review.

Roy Smith, a Tendring district and Essex county councillor, said he was disappointed with the initial response, but would keep fighting for the teenagers.

"I had contact with someone who has about ten years experience in providing the necessary equipment," he said.

"They believe two mini-ramps could be made for about £1,000, which is not a lot of cash to find. I would hope we might even be able to find sponsors for that type of money and then all we would need is a site."

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