AN ENTERPRISING group of youths are set to unveil designs for a new skate park in their town.

Skate Loughton have attracted over 150 people keen for a joint BMX and skate park in their town and they have been working with specialist company Maverick Industries to create designs for the project.

The fruits of their labours are due to go on display this Friday, October 29, at the tennis courts on Roding Valley Recreation Ground, in Loughton.

Skate Loughton lead member Josh Moynihan, 20, said: “We are all really excited to see what the company have come up with, design-wise, following our meetings with them. There is a huge local BMX and skate community and we as a group are prepared to fund-raise and work with other parties to make a positive new community leisure resource a reality.”

A site at the Willingale Road allotments, in Loughton, has already been agreed for the new skatepark and Loughton Town Council has offered £40,000 towards the project.

The remaining £40,000 will have to come from the community, and Skate Loughton are currently organising a number of fund-raising events including sponsored cycle rides, sky dives, car washes and music evenings.

Josh said: “It is important that the project has the full backing of the local community and all the local authorities now. This park has been talked about for so long, but hopefully our positive actions now will soon warrant wider support”.

Anyone interested in seeing the designs should visit the rec between 2pm and 5pm where there will also be a mobile ice rink for people to use.

The skate park designs will then be displayed at youth centre The Space, next door to Loughton Library, in Traps Hill, for wider consultation and feedback.