YOUNGSTERS in Kesgrave and Martlesham have clubbed together in a bid to raise funds for a new skate park.The group of 25 youngsters, who have called themselves Friction, are currently trying to raise the estimated £60,000 needed to build the park.

YOUNGSTERS in Kesgrave and Martlesham have clubbed together in a bid to raise funds for a new skate park.

The group of 25 youngsters, who have called themselves Friction, are currently trying to raise the estimated £60,000 needed to build the park.

They are planning to apply for grants from the National Lottery and Suffolk Coastal District Council while also undertaking their own fundraising activities.

The idea has received the backing of Kesgrave Town Council, who has promised to donate a plot of land for the park.

The council has earmarked a possible site but acoustic engineers are currently investigating its suitability.

Martlesham Community Council has promised to give £500 to the project, as have Martlesham-based BT, through their Give as you Earn scheme. Martlesham Parish Council and Spark – Sport and Recreation in Kesgrave – have also given the scheme their support.

The skate park was the brainchild of Carol Hollett, of Viking Heights, Martlesham, and Rosie Scott, of Crown Street, Martlesham.

They both have teenage children interested in skateboarding and bmx riding and felt there needed to be somewhere for them to go.

Rosie said: "We have a problem in Kesgrave in that the new housing estates were built with no provisions for young people.

"There's nowhere for them to go and we've started to have problems with police having run-ins with young people."

Carol said: "We've had groups of youngsters skateboarding in places that were causing concern to older residents. It would be ideal if we could have somewhere where it was safe for them and safe for the other people in the area."

To help with the appeal or for information on membership, call Carol on 01394 385329.