TEENAGERS could soon have a new £100,000 skateboard and BMX park thanks to the go-ahead being given for a project they helped to design.Despite protests from residents living around the playing field at Grundisburgh, councillors have approved the plans for the land, which will include a basketball practice area and a big new play area for younger children.

TEENAGERS could soon have a new £100,000 skateboard and BMX park thanks to the go-ahead being given for a project they helped to design.

Despite protests from residents living around the playing field at Grundisburgh, councillors have approved the plans for the land, which will include a basketball practice area and a big new play area for younger children.

But before it can be built, the organisers must talk to the council about measures to reduce the noise from the skateboard ramps and jumps to ensure it does not disturb neighbours.

The scheme for the 7.5 acre playing field off Ipswich Road has been put forward by Grundisburgh and Culpho Parish Council.

Suffolk Coastal council's development control sub committee received 33 letters from children and parents in support of the facilities, but nine letters and a 93-signature petition against.

Councillor Ron Else said: "We all live in villages where we have the problems of trying to provide facilities for our young people and finding suitable places to put them.

"I think a bit of noise from play and sports activities is the price you have to pay for living next to a playing field and enjoying the open vista it provides.

"If we said that we would get rid of the playing field and build houses on it there would be just as many objections."

Grundisburgh Skateboard and BMX Club said the project would provide young people with a place to go and help them learn about independence and socialising, would give them ownership and a pride in their village, reduce boredom, and cut graffiti, crime and fear of crime.

It would provide a safe environment and take children off street corners and stop them skateboarding on the roads.

The skateboard and BMX area will be controlled by a club and youngsters using it will have to help run the venture and pay a fee to use it. It will be locked when it is not in use.

The scheme is expected to cost around £100,000. Fundraising is taking place and the parish council has given a grant. It is hoped the National Lottery Community Fund will provide around 65 per cent of the money needed.

Research in the village showed showed more than 80 boys and girls from Grundisburgh and the surrounding communities either skateboard or ride BMX bicycles and they are attracted to the sports because they can perform without adult supervision.