A COMMUNITY group in Handforth is celebrating after the opening of a new £85,000 skatepark in the town.

Wheeled-sports fans from the area now have a new concrete skatepark in Stanley Hall Park on Peover Road.

The custom-built concrete skatepark is suitable for skateboarders, BMXers, inline skaters and scooter riders.

It replaces the former skatepark that had deteriorated over the years.

The £85,000 project was masterminded by the Friends of Stanley Hall Park.

They worked with Cheshire East Council and the contractors to develop the plans for the project.

The bulk of the funds for the project came through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF).

This scheme enables waste companies to hold onto part of their landfill tax bill and give it to community and environmental projects in area where they operate.

The Veolia Environmental Trust and WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund both awarded £35,000 through the LCF. Cheshire Police Crime Prevention Fund also awarded a grant.

The friends group’s consultation with young people indicated that replacing the skatepark would be the best way forward. A concrete skatepark was chosen as the best option, and skateboarders contributed to the design process.

Janet Taylor, secretary of the Friends of Stanley Hall Park, said: “The Skatepark has been so well received by the local community. We are delighted with the results and cannot thank The Veolia Environmental Trust, WREN and the Police Commissioners Fund enough for making it all possible.

"The skatepark has only been open for a week and the response from the users has been overwhelming.”

Paul Taylor, executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, added: "We were really happy to be able to support this important project. It demonstrates how the Landfill Communities Fund is a vital source of funding for community projects across England and Wales. I hope the new skatepark is used and enjoyed for years to come.”

Richard Smith, WREN’s grant manager for Cheshire, added: “It is wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to children and young people across Handforth.”

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