THE dream of a dedicated skatepark for young people in Tavistock has taken a step further towards reality after town councillors gave the thumbs up to the first stage of building the park.

The park, pioneered by skategroup Taviskate in partnership with several other agencies, is to be constructed in Benson Meadow.

Bob Pilbeam, chairman of Taviskate, said plans will go ahead in three stages.

Firstly, to build a flat tarmac base and reposition the existing ramp in Benson Meadow onto this base. The group has already raised the £15,000 necessary to take this stage forward.

Mr Pilbeam said: ?We have actually already got three quotations, so hopefully we should be able to go ahead fairly quickly. We have the money to cover the work and possibly some adaptations, perhaps create some kerbs and grindboxes.?

A meeting will be held with Taviskate?s partners within the next few weeks to take the first stage forward.

Mr Pilbeam said ramps and rails will be added to the park as soon as funds have been raised, estimated to cost around £25,000.

The final stage will be to complete a landscaping, fencing and lighting scheme designed to minimise the impact of the skatepark on other users of the Meadows. This is likely to cost around £15,000.

Mr Pilbeam said Taviskate was still applying for grant funding from a variety of other sources and continued to organise fundraising events itself.

Taviskate merchandise sold well in Tavistock Pannier Market recently and benefit events would be held in the town in coming months.

?There is still much work to do and skaters are urged to be both patient and supportive of the project,? he said.

Town clerk Roger Howard said Taviskate now has the ?thorough backing? of councillors to begin laying the tarmac base of the park.

Col Howard said: ?Our £4,000 grant is ready for them whenever they want it. The councillors have congratulated Taviskate on their work so far and have given them their thorough backing.?

l Anyone who wishes to join Taviskate, contribute ideas or who would like to buy a Taviskate ?hoodie? or T-shirt should contact Bob Pilbeam on 01822 617461.