Committee formed to deliver skate park - and get kids off the streets.

Wheels have been set in motion to deliver a skate park for Feniton youngsters - in just over a year.

The ambitious plan, mooted after several skaters had near misses with cars in Station Road, was launched at a meeting in the village last week, when a fund-raising committee was formed.

Gary Broom, a former member of Feniton Parish Council, was elected chairman, with Debbie Blatchford as secretary and Jo David as treasurer.

“We had loads of interest from the children, but we could do with the interest and support from all the parents as well,” said Jo.

“As a community, we are going to see if we can build a skate park using just the experience of parents and children - to and keep the costs down.”

The committee hopes to develop the skate park within 18 months and is aiming to use recycled materials.

Supporting the committee at their first meeting was local district councillor Graham Brown, who made a personal donation of �100 towards the fund-raising.

Mr Broom said: “We want a quick solution to this - we don’t want to be waiting 15 years.

“On Station Road, we’ve had three or four near misses with children on skateboards or scooters.

“For their safety, we want to take them off the streets before there is a fatal accident.”

Mr Broom said children in the village have been the “inspiration” for the project.

“they are not asking for anything big, just something they can call their own.”

Land owned by the parish council, near Feniton Youth Centre, has been identified as a potential site for the skate park.

An officer from East Devon District Council has agreed to visit the site and offer advice on its suitability.

The committee is appealing for donations and sponsorship. Anyone willing to help is urged to contact Jo on 01404 850670.