PLANS have been lodged to transform a run down play area in Southwold into a skateboard park.Members of the Klondyke Sports Committee have submitted the application for the recreation ground and have now called for support from the district council.

PLANS have been lodged to transform a run down play area in Southwold into a skateboard park.

Members of the Klondyke Sports Committee have submitted the application for the recreation ground and have now called for support from the district council.

They have drawn up an action plan to regenerate the deteriorated Klondyke Play Area in the town which includes proposals for skateboard bowls for beginners and advanced skaters, a basketball area and a grassed area for picnic tables.

Their planning application has won the support of Southwold Town Council but they fear they will not be supported by Waveney District Council.

George Bennett, 19, chairman of the committee, said: “I saw on their website that the site was up for tenders.

“We had never been informed of this, I found the document purely by chance, and we feel it's an attempt to maximise financial profit.

“We've had the backing from the police, businesses, residents and the town council so now we need their support.”

He added: “I think they should encourage us because we are not asking for anything from them, or any money, the only thing we're asking for is permission.”

The area is currently owned and managed by Waveney District Council along with the putting green.

Mr Bennett said: “We feel our plans for the area are based firmly in a passionate sense of civic pride combined with a desire to promote Southwold's leisure facilities for both tourism and youths in the district.”

In a report on Waveney's website from a meeting held in October it said they would seek tenders “to market test the current service provision and to work in partnership to ensure that financial performance is maximised, create a framework for investment, and provide a quality service to customers”.

Phil Harris, council spokesman, said: “Basically what that means is that we're asking for expressions of interest because we would like to see that area improved.

“Those places are a mess and we would like people to come up with what's the best use for the area but obviously any plans would be subject to a thorough consultation first.”