A SPORTS and amenities group has been set up in Calstock to create a skatepark for the young people and improve sports facilities for everyone in the village.

The group was due to present its ideas for a skatepark at Calstock Parish Council's meeting last night (Wednesday) in a bid to gain its support.

Born out of frustration at the removal of makeshift play equipment on Calstock Quay due to health and safety concerns, the committee has made it its first priority to provide something for the teenagers.

But it is early days and the first step is to get local support.

Parent and group member Simone Bremner said: 'There was absolute upset when the skate ramps were removed.

'There is nothing else for children above eight years old, just a basketball hoop.

'The great thing was that that young people from 5 to 20 were using the skate ramps, girls and boys, on skateboards, roller skates, bikes and scooters.

'The older ones were taking care of the younger ones and it crossed barriers.

'It would be great if we could get a proper facility there for the kids.'

If the parish council supports the initiative on land behind the village hall, there will be a public consultation to see if local residents agree. Funding sources for the project are being investigated

With a solicitor, accountant and fundraising expert on board, plus representatives from pubs, clubs and special events in Calstock, there is a multitude of skills in the group.

Mrs Bremner said she hoped this was just the start: 'We know there is funding out there for a sports project.

'If we can get a skatepark for the kids we can then look at other things, like replacing the football shed and get a proper facility there with changing rooms that maybe the rowing club can use too.'

Chairman of Calstock Parish Council Jerome Irons said the previous skateboard equipment had been placed on the 'piazza' area in Calstock without permission.

'We discovered it recently during a recreation committee visit to sites owned by the council,' he said.

'A lot of this equipment was in poor condition and even when not in use restricted the use and enjoyment of this area by local residents and visitors alike.

'In view of this it was arranged that the equipment would be removed as soon as possible, as by leaving this in situ the council would be condoning its use and could become responsible for accidents resulting from its placement or use.'