A major fundraising push has been declared to get a skatepark for youngsters in Wivenhoe off the ground.

The long-held dream of youngsters of having a facility in the town was dealt a blow last summer when councillors said they doubted it would be possible because it looked likely to cost around £80,000.

But now members of the town council have made it an official policy that fundraising for the park should take priority after getting plans drawn up stating it will cost £50,000.

Mayor Steve Ford said: "It has always been our intention to try and set something up but the money issue was something that could not be ignored.

"Now we have found out it will cost £50,000 this seems a much closer target although it will take a lot of work.

"There is such a need there that it just cannot be ignored," he said.

Fundraising plans are already underway with a dance planned for Saturday, April 20 in the William Loveless Hall.

Tickets, costing £10, for the dance are available from the Town Council offices, Wivenhoe High Street.

Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002