THE help of the public is being requested by a Tavistock duo keen to get a new community skate park and activity centre in the town up and running.

Plans are in place for an indoor, interchangeable skate park with moveable ramps and a centre to teach a range of extreme sports.

A location for the centre has already been secured and the not-for-profit community interest company Uskate, headed by Tavistock team Joni Rainbow and Mark Roberts, is now turning to online fundraising platform Pledgesports.org and appealing for public donations to help fund the project.

For the past four years Uskate has been teaching extreme sports and circus skills to children and young adults across the South West and now wants to take this further by creating the centre at one of the units in Crelake Industrial Estate, on Pixon Lane.

Joni said: 'We have a location and the owners are very excited about us signing a long-term lease and have lowered the rent to help support us.

'We are receiving support from West Devon Borough Council and Sport England too, but having the support of local people can ensure we get the park open as quickly as possible.'

Joni said they were hoping to have the centre ready to open by January.

'We will be using the base as a changeable space to teach a range of extreme sports, circus skills, trapeze, martial arts and also have a shop, café and regular events from music nights to performance shows.

'We intend to have a large half pipe with ramps into it — this will be the only non-moveable ramp — everything else will be moveable so we can ensure the best learning environment for Uskate's volunteers, apprentices and users.'

The initiative will not just be for skateboarders or just for recreation, as the company already employs four apprentices alongside more than 30 volunteers.

Joni said: 'This skatepark will offer a wide range of positive activities to ensure the growth of confidence, self-worth and healthy lifestyles.

'Our mission is also to create apprenticeship and employment for young adults most in need of the opportunity.

'This skatepark will be a training ground for us.'

The company is hoping to raise in excess of £4,000 through the fundraising platform for the first three months rent and every extra penny will be used to kit out the centre.

To add your support and to make a donation, visit the website at http://www.pledgesports.org/projects/uskate-skatepark">www.pledgesports.org/projects/uskate-skatepark which gives back to supporters through a rewards programme that includes free membership, new skateboards and party packages.