THE wait is finally over for many Pershore youngsters as work is set to begin on the town's new skate park after years of consultation were completed last week.

The skate park will cost around £100,000 to build and will be sited in Abbey Park near the children's water play area. It will cover 276sq metres and those in the know will be happy to hear that it will contain a half pipe, two quarter pipes, a jump box and a grind rail. Chris Parsons was Pershore mayor for two years before stepping down this year and has always said that the skate park was something he would like to see in the town.

He said: "The skate park has been promised to us for some time now by Wychavon District Council so I am glad it is finally coming to fruition.

"The only drawback is that it is not already finished for the start of the summer, but I believe everything is being done to get it completed quickly. It is very good news as now they will not be using pavements and car parks, which can be dangerous for themselves as well as other members of the public.

"Skateboarding has become a big part of today's culture so we have to admit it is here to stay and those who enjoy it, need somewhere safe to perform."

Jem Teal, community development manager at Wychavon District Council, said: "Ever since I started at the council four years ago, skate parks have been identified as an area of need and we have placed them in Droitwich and Evesham, and now Pershore will be getting one too.

"I would have preferred for the park to be up and running by the start of the schools summer holidays but due to consultation over siting and design, work will now begin in mid July and we hope to complete it while the children are still on holiday."