Youngsters are now nearer to having their own skatepark after a parish council vowed to take the “bull by the horns” and build it.

Debenham Parish Council is to bid for planning permission to setup the village facility near the allotments off Aspall Road.

But Richard Blackwell, parish chairman, admitted the proposal would be “contentious”.

Mr Blackwell said: “We have decided to take the bull by the horns and submit a planning application for the top of the allotment field. We feel it’s the most appropriate place for it to be.

“The first stage is to get the planning permission so we know we can put the concrete pad down and then take it from there.

“The youngsters in the village have been waiting long enough, it’s been going on for quite a while and lots of places to put the skate park have been considered over the years.

“It’s meant to be quiet and peaceful up there, it’s going to be contentious but you have to bite the bullet sometimes and see what happens.”

He said the skatepark would be far enough away from the village not to annoy residents, with a bridleway giving access in case of an emergency. The council voted unanimously in favour of the proposal, he added.

Jane Baldwin, chairman of Project D, the group behind the skatepark, said: “This is positive because it’s the last chance. If we cannot get this piece of land then we have not got anything then the young people will once again be losing out.

“I can understand the possible concern yes, because it’s certainly viewed as a quiet area.”

She said the skatepark would measure 25x17metres. Mr Blackwell said he hoped to have the planning application submitted by the next parish meeting.

The council already stores the skate ramps which would be used for the park. Over the years bids to locate the skatepark at the village’s leisure centre and Recreation Ground have failed.

Earlier in the year councillors had considered selling the ramps for £4,000 - the same amount they paid for them - as a bid by another parish council was received.

But last month the council’s backing for the project was renewed with councillor David Hughes calling on the parish to “fight” for the project.