Work on the new skatepark has begun after much planning and consultation involving Syston Town Council, Charnwood Council, skatepark professionals as well as young people in the town who have had a say into its design. It's hoped the skatepark will be completed by mid August.

The town council set up a panel to look into ways of improving leisure facilities in and around the town including sources of funding. Funding for the skatepark has come from Charnwood Council and the Big Lottery Fund, together with monies included in Section 106 planning agreements. Section 106 money and grant funding has also be been obtained to develop the multi-use games area which will be situated next to the skatepark.

Skatepark project coordinator Steve Crawford, of Freestyle Skateparks, said: "The design is what we'd call a mini plaza style training facility with elements replicated from street skating terrain. This park caters for skaters of all abilities. Whether you're a novice or expert you can skate it and develop your technique and technical abilities."

Syston Town Council chairman Ken Pacey said: "A really big thank you must go to all the town council members and staff who have put 110 per cent effort into getting these facilities.

"Funding for the skatepark and the multi-use games area isn't coming from local tax payers' pockets, it involves section 106 and grant money. We've got young people involved and we have some local skaters who are very interested in arranging a big opening and competition at the skatepark. The support for that has been absolutely incredible."

The new facilities on Central Park are set to be covered by CCTV. The multi-use games area, hoped to be completed by the end of the year, will be a hard surface which can be used for actvities such five-a-side football and basketball.