SKATERS in Locking near Weston-super-Mare could test their skills at a brand new skatepark if plans are approved.

Maverick Skateparks have submitted plans on behalf of Locking Parish Council which would see a 446 square metre concrete skatepark built in Locking Playing Fields alongside a safety sign and two litter bins.

The skatepark would include quarter pipes, a rail and mini ramps – with the development considered ‘low level’ as the tallest features would not exceed more than 1.65m in height from the skatepark floor.

Maverick, a skater run business, have installed award winning skateparks across the UK.

The facility would provide the community with a “contemporary and progressive venue” where all forms of wheeled sports would be welcomed.

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The applicant said the facility would “elevate” the choice of leisure activities within the area – with the closest facility provided for leisure use being the multi-use games area found in Parklands.

“A contemporary venue for wheeled sports in Locking is vital to support the existing community and encourage active participation in skateboarding, scooter, WCMX and BMX in future generations within the region,” the application said.

Aerial map showing the ownership boundary line of Locking Playing Fields Picture: Maverick Skateparks

“Locking has an active and passionate wheeled sports community, comprising users in all disciplines of wheeled sports.

“The current provision of facilities within the area is poor, in both number and quality.”

It added: “Well documented evidence from police forces across the UK attests to wheeled sports facilities being a positive contributing factor for developing social inclusion and reducing crime numbers, especially among youths.”

The skatepark could attract ‘skate tourists’, the application said, with people travelling from the wider areas to make use of the facilities which could have a positive effect on the village economy.

“It is commonly found that families travelling from other areas to access skateparks will arrive in a location, having dropped off the skatepark user, and go on to spend significant lengths of time sightseeing, shopping and dining in the vicinity,” the application added.

“The larger the facility the more positive the correlation between the length and frequency of visits by users is, boosting the local economy.”

To view the plans, log on to n-somerset.gov.uk and search reference 24/P/2334/FUL on the planning section.