CGI Brantham Skate Park. Picture: Brantham Parish Council
Residents have been urged to donate as plans to build a new village skate park are 'in touching distance' after a £100,000 council boost.
Abi Edevane, 48, first brought up the idea of installing a skate park at a playing field off Factory Road, in Brantham, near Ipswich, back in September 2023.
She said her two children, now aged 10 and eight, were able to have fun in places as far out as Norfolk, but struggled to find similar provision locally.
Now she believes a new skate park in Brantham is 'in touching distance' after a £100,000 contribution from Babergh District Council on Tuesday afternoon.
The funding is coming from the authority's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) pot - money contributed by developers to improve local services.
"There were a lot of happy dances going on in this house - I'm over the moon," she said.
"There's nothing for kids around here, especially once they get over a certain age and once they don't want to be on a swing or a slide."
"It can really bring people together, and I think it's something all the kids will use."
The skate park is meant to offer a positive outlet for social interaction, reduce anti-social behaviour and strengthen community ties.
So far, the project has attracted around £180,000 in investment - with money from fund-raising efforts, the National Lottery and nearby villages - just shy of the £200,000 total budget required.
Brantham Parish Council, which has also led on the project, put forward £40,000 of its own money to see it delivered.
Sarah Keys, the parish clerk, said she would be 'absolutely delighted' if works could start by the summer.
"It's an absolutely massive relief - it has been quite tense waiting for the outcome, without this the project would have really struggled to go forward.
"We've had a really overwhelming positive response for this - to see it actually becoming a reality is so exciting, just brilliant."
Cllr Alastair McCraw, the ward member, said: "The energy and enthusiasm behind the Brantham Skate Park project have been fantastic to see.
"This investment will help create a vibrant space where young people can be active, build confidence, and connect with others in the community."
Abi is now looking to fundraise another £15,000, with Sport England already committed to matching the funding should the target be reached.
The crowdfunding page can be found here.
Any leftover money would go into skateboarding lessons, skate 'jam days', competitions and other events to promote the new facility and encourage people to use it.
Income from these would then be reinvested in maintenance and further improvements.
Abi said: "I want kids off screens, I want them outside, I want them to have a proper childhood where you're physical and you're with your friends.
"It's not just good for their physical health, it's so good for their mental health."
The skate park even attracted the attention of James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, who said he was delighted the funding was approved by the district council.
He said: "I was proud to support their grant application last July as I believe the skate park will be a great asset to the village as a much-needed recreational space for young people in Brantham”
Published by Suffolk News.
