IT has been a long time coming, but Teignmouth youngsters should finally have their own skate park within ten months.

The much-needed project has been mooted for about 20 years. Now most of the hurdles have been cleared and the bulk of the money raised.

Despite some objections, the location will almost certainly be on the seafront the site favoured by the boarders.

The young people, their parents and supporters have become frustrated and fed up with the long delay, but now the authorities are making the final push to make sure it does happen soon.

The former paddling pool, now a derelict eyesore, is earmarked as the site of the facility, estimated to cost around £110,000.

It is the favoured spot by the skateboarders, who already flock to the seafront to hone and demonstrate their skills.

This has sometimes led to conflict with walkers, and if another site was chosen, the youngsters would still probably unofficially use the prom.

It has now been confirmed that the project does not need planning consent for a change of use, which will greatly speed up the implementation.

Town and district councillor Terry Falcao, who has been driving the scheme through, declared: The skaters have given their suggestions on the design, and the overall scheme aims at enhancing the promenade area.

The target date for the opening of the skatepark is May next year.

As there will be no planning application, the only route now for objectors is through a final consultation at the Carlton Theatre tomorrow between 10am and 2pm.

We have listened to those who have made written objections in the past, and we still want to hear any further feedback, which we will try to address, Cllr Falcao emphasised.

Some residents of seafront homes are concerned about possible noise and antisocial behaviour. There are cctv cameras in the area, which will benefit the youngsters and deter any problems, and the police are very supportive of the initiative.

The paddling pool site was given the green light by the Teignbridge executive, and a survey of local schools showed the overwhelming majority favoured the seafront.

Full support has also come from the town council, and Cllr Geoff Bladon pledged his 100 per cent backing.

There has been a huge amount of consultation, and it is now time to give Cllr Falcao and the project team the encouragement they need to complete the facility, said Cllr Bladon.

Once it is up and running, I hope there will be a corresponding decrease in vandalism and injuries to passers-by on the seafront.

Cllr Ian Parkes said young people were crying out for a skatepark, and he believed the objectors had been given every chance to have their say.

And the leader of Teignbridge, Cllr Alan Connett, described it as an exciting enhancement to a dilapidated area.

Pointing out the council had given significant support in officer time and a lease for the pool, he added: We think this will be an excellent addition to the fabulous play area we have provided, which has boosted Teignmouth as a first class resort.

Mary Kennedy, of Teignskate, has started work to turn the organisation into a limited company, to hold the lease and ensure the £90,000 raised so far is appropriately spent. The promoters are confident the remaining balance will be found through grants and other channels.

Meanwhile, Teignskate is actively looking for directors to assist supporting the young skateboarders.