PLANS for a skateboarding park in a Basingstoke suburb has been given the green light after funding for the scheme was approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

As previously reported, father-of-two Jonathon Payne, of High Path Way, Rooksdown, launched a petition calling for a new, high-quality skateboarding park for Rooksdown Park as a way to tackle an “increasing level of anti-social behaviour” in the area.

The 36-year-old, who is a parish councillor, also hoped the park would benefit young people in the community by helping them to socialise.

And the borough council have given the green light to fund up to £130,000 for the scheme from the borough’s Local Infrastructure Fund.

The Local Infrastructure Fund aims to deliver “larger ticket” facilities and infrastructure improvements of over £25,000 and the projects have to make a significant and long-lasting impact on the community.

The money, from the Government’s New Homes Bonus scheme, is given to local authorities, for communities where there has been an increase in house building.

Cllr Payne said: “It has been a lot of hard work but I am glad because Rooksdown is a little bit short on amenities because we don’t have a pub or any restaurants, so it is nice to have something special for Rooksdown.”

The scheme is expected to be completed within two years.