TAVISTOCK'S skaters and BMX riders can finally go ahead and start raising the money to build their funpark in Benson's Meadow.

Last Friday, after a three year battle, Taviskate sealed an agreement with West Devon Borough Council, Tavistock Town Council and Youthwize.

The agreement also has the support of WestDEN and Community Action for Rural Devon, the local police and health service.

The agreement signals the way forward for applications to fund granting bodies such as Sport England, which have previously told Taviskate not to bother applying before it could demonstrate support such as that embodied in this agreement.

Bob Pilbeam of Taviskate welcomed the agreement and said that although it had taken three years to get to this stage, the project would benefit from its maturation over that period.

He also welcomed the inter-agency work as a way of bringing everyone in and avoiding excluding people.

'The informal recreation needs of people have to be improved in this town,' he said.

'A lot of youngsters knock about on the street corners where they are vulnerable. This is something that takes them off those street corners and gives them something to do.'

Robin Pike, mayor and signatory for West Devon Borough Council, recognised the amount of work already done and welcomed the agreement as a way forward.

'It has been a long time coming,' he said.

'I wish the facility well and I hope it will be respected.'

Tavistock mayor Norma Woodcock described the agreement as a landmark partnership between the two councils, Youthwize and Taviskate.

'This is really exciting, a superb amenity for the youngsters — but this is the beginning of something, not the end,' she said.

Diane Simpson, the Youthwize project manager, offered a 'huge pat on the back' to Mr Pilbeam and all the others who had worked so hard to get this far.

'This could be the beginning of something really special,' she said.

The agreement was also welcomed by some of the young skateboarders and bike riders — there to witness the signatures that will enable them to move forwards towards a day when they can practice their tricks in peace and safety. Present were Ben McEwen, 13, Warren Smith, 11 and Luke Pilbeam, 14.

In the agreement Taviskate has committed itself to raise the capital to build the skatepark — designed by local skateboarder Brad Waters and other members of Taviskate. They will also contribute £500 each year towards maintenance.

The town council will cover the insurance and maintenance, and allow the park to be built on town land in Benson's Meadow.

West Devon will help with funding applications and planning matters and Youthwize will support the fundraising and building of the park and monitor its use.

The other bodies will continue to advise and support.