YOUNGSTERS and parents in Needham Market have united in a bid to establish a skatepark in the town.The town council is supporting the moves but has urged residents to group together in a bid to prove there is support for the facility and to find a suitable location.

YOUNGSTERS and parents in Needham Market have united in a bid to establish a skatepark in the town.

The town council is supporting the moves but has urged residents to group together in a bid to prove there is support for the facility and to find a suitable location.

Town mayor Paula Batchelor said: "We're very much in favour of a skatepark but we want the parents on board. We want to make sure it's not a fleeting faze for the kids.

"We know the skateboard is not going to be a good neighbour and the biggest problem we have is finding a suitable location."

Jenny Straughier, chairwoman of neighbourhood watch in the area, has rallied support and a meeting is being held at Needham Market youth club, in School Street, from 8pm on Monday.

It is hoped this will act as a springboard for the project by forming a committee.

Offers of support have already been received from 13 parents and Mike Brown, manager of the Limes Hotel, in High Street, has offered to stage potential fundraising events.

The idea is also supported by Mid Suffolk district council and the town's community council.

Mrs Straughier, of Park Road, said most people believe Crowley Park would be the best location for the skatepark, but admitted residents in the area would have to be consulted.

"Everyone is really positive and the majority people think it should be in Crowley Park, she said.

"We've got to speak to the residents in the area to see what they think. People in Needham Market are fed up with having to take their children to Stowmarket for everything."

Town council clerk Josephine Lea said a number of potential funding avenues have already been identified, should the scheme get up and running.

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What do you think? Are there enough activities for youngsters in Needham Market? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or join the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk.