East Devon District Council is investing £150,000 in renewing Lime Kiln skate park in Budleigh Salterton.

The council has worked in conjunction with a local user group to produce a design for a new longer lasting sprayed concrete skate park.

At an initial consultation meeting, local users of the park advised East Devon and its specialist designer/contractor, Maverick Industries, what they wanted included in their new skate park.

Budleigh and Raleigh ward member councillor Tom Wright, who has a long term commitment to Budleigh Youth Club, realised the importance of this facility to the community and he, together with another ward member, councillor Alan Dent, was heavily involved in co-ordinating the user group and supporting approval of funding for this scheme.

A final design was subsequently presented to the user group who were delighted with how Maverick had interpreted their requests. After a minor adjustment was made in response to a further suggestion from the users, they agreed that it not only met but exceeded their expectations.

The skate park design features a unique combined teardrop volcano, spine and hipped flatbank, which caused much excitement among the group. A considerable amount of time has been spent on the design to ensure that there is no requirement for handrails, which are expensive and cumbersome. This will allow the park to have an open and free flowing feel.

The council has said it is grateful for the local user group's excellent input and hopes that the park will offer something for everyone to enjoy. The park is expected to attract wheeled sport enthusiasts of all abilities, both locally and from further afield.

Construction of the new skate park is underway with all the old equipment removed and the outline structure of the new park taking shape.

The first concrete pour is scheduled for September 9 (weather permitting). The contractor is hoping to complete the skate park around mid-October and the council will be hosting an official opening event including a skate park jam and informal competition.

East Devon's portfolio holder for the Environment, councillor Geoff Jung said: "The new design looks fantastic. It's great to see the local community getting involved to ensure they get a park to be proud of. I hope this attractive, free to use facility encourages tourism for the area and improves the well-being of locals who use it."

Councillor Tom Wright said: "I am delighted that this new facility will provide first class opportunities for young people from Budleigh and the surrounding villages to hone their skills, have exciting ways to improve fitness and most importantly allow positive social interaction."

A spokesperson for Budleigh Salterton Town Council said: "The Town Council is delighted that the skate park revamp is going ahead at long last and how important it is to include the children who use the park in its design."