A LONG-awaited skate park has been officially opened in Felixstowe - more than 20 years after the idea was first put forward.

Annie Davidson

A LONG-awaited skate park has been officially opened in Felixstowe - more than 20 years after the idea was first put forward.

Around 500 people went to the opening celebrations at Orwell Green yesterday including representatives from the many groups who helped fund the �180,000 project.

Youngsters released balloons while skating and BMX competitions were held to mark the occasion.

Ant Cartwright, youth work manager at Level Two youth project which backed the scheme, said: “There was a really great atmosphere and community feeling to the event.

“It has been more than 20 years waiting for the skate park and Level Two have been working with Suffolk Coastal District Council for the last three-and-a-half years with a group of young people and skaters on the whole fundraising and consultation.

“They went on trips to look at other skate parks and were fully involved in the whole process including holdings gigs and things to raise money.

“There were around 500 people there and young people had come along not just from Felixstowe but also from other areas which was great.”

Doreen Savage, cabinet member for young people at Suffolk Coastal District Council, said: “The skate park has been a long time coming for young people in Felixstowe, and we are thrilled that there is now a place for budding skateboarders and BMXers to practice and develop their sport.

“I look forward to many people enjoying the skate park, having fun and keeping active.”

The organisations which supported the park include Felixstowe Town Council, Felixstowe Skatepark Association, the Outdoor Playspace Fund, Suffolk County Council and the L.D Rope Trust.

Last year's mayor of Felixstowe, Joan Sennington, also raised funds by making the skate park her charity during her term in office.