A SIX-year dream of creating a skateboarding park for youngsters in the heart of Richmond is finally becoming a reality.

After a long campaign and months of fundraising, the first turf for the new facility was cut yesterday in the town's Ronaldshay Park.

By mid to late September the skatepark, covering 600 square metres and packed with stunt features, should be ready for action.

More than 100 local youngsters have been involved in the campaign, attending and addressing planning meetings and taking an active role in the fundraising.

When the park is complete, they will be able to enjoy skateboarding on a mini-pipe, bank, curved rail slider, fun-box, jump ramp and a quarter-pipe.

The fundraising campaign was led by the local YMCA. Support came from sources, including the town council, the Community Safety Partnership, rotary and round table, RMC Aggregates through the landfill tax and the Single Regeneration Budget.

Altogether about £60,000 has so far been raised - but more is needed for the start-up costs and the ongoing maintenance of the park.

The campaign suffered a major setback when Richmondshire District Council initially refused planning permission after opposition from residents of nearby homes.

However, after the steering group behind the scheme revised the plans to alleviate fears, the council gave its backing to the project.

YMCA chief executive Ken Allinson said yesterday: "The youngsters were a little frustrated but they learnt that if you stick with the right process it is all worthwhile in the end.

"It was a good learning experience for them, and now they are delighted to see the project at this stage."

Up to now, youngsters have been using roads and car parks for their skating.

"Last year, a young teenager was seriously hurt when he fell through a skylight while skateboarding on the roof of Colburn Primary School."

Anyone wanting to make donations to help with fundraising, can send them to the Richmond Community Skatepark Fund, c/o YMCA, Market Place, Richmond, DL10 4JJ.