SKATEBOARDERS and BMX cyclists will soon be able to practice at a new skate park if plans for a development in Lowestoft are backed by councillors later this month.

Proposals to build skate ramps at Normanston Park have been drawn up by Waveney District Council and the Waveney Play Partnership with input from local young people and sports clubs.

The scheme will be discussed by Waveney's development control committee next Wednesday, April 15, and a report to councillors recommends that the proposals, made possible by a £250,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, are approved.

The report said: “Older young people raise concerns about lack of recreational opportunity, and want a much better range of provision for their recreational needs. The skate park in Halesworth is popular not just for exercise but also for hanging out, even for non-skaters, and the children themselves say the skate park keeps them out of trouble.”

A users group, called Extreme Adrenaline Sports Together (EAST), has already been set up and, if the plans are approved, members will help with fundraising and securing the long-term future of the park.