A NEW skate park could be built by next spring after a seven-year battle for funding.

Dovercourt Skate Park was built in 2002, but since then the only upgrade has been flood lights.

In 2010, a group of skaters appealed to Harwich Town Council to revamp the site branding it “dangerous” in winter months or when it rains as the metal park becomes slippery.

Councillor Jo Henderson and a working party took on the project and are now just £20,000 short of funding the work.

She said: “We have just heard we have got £50,000 from Sport England.

“It’s really good news, we are only £20,000 short to replace the existing skate park with new smooth concrete that is safer for everyone and even for disabled users.”

Harwich Town Council was granted planning permission for a major overhaul of the existing skate park site, next to Dovercourt Swimming Pool, off Wick Lane, last August.

The current site is out-of-date with a floor surface no longer fit for purpose.

But the £221,000 project will see the old skate park removed and a new one created using free-form concrete with a bowl element and a street course.

“It’s really exciting,” Jo added.

“It was seven years ago when we were first approached and it was outdated then.

“It has been very well used and very well worn.

“This new surface will be a lot more user friendly and a lot better for their wheels whether it be scooters or skateboards.

“If we can get the last £20,000 I would like to get it in place by next spring or summer.

“We are chuffed to bits and thanks needs to go to the whole council and staff for raising the money.”

Funding for the project has included £100,000 from Harwich Town Council, £15,000 from Essex County Council’s Community Initiatives Fund, £12,500 from Tendring Council’s Big Society Fund, £15,000 from Condition Improvement Funding, £8,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner and £2,000 is from Tesco bags.