The dream of a BMX and skate park for Kingsteignton is finally coming true after a £13,000 grant from Ugbrooke Environmental Ltd and its Landfill Communities Fund, writes Nigel Canham.

Supporters of the Kingsteignton Riders' Union (KRU) have long battled to identify a site for the project and obtain funding.

Last year, after several false starts with other locations, Kingsteignton Town Council announced it would provide a plot in Clifford Park, then

l From front page

vandalism there threatened to scupper everything but councillors decided to press ahead after being told KRU members were keen to adopt a zero tolerance to trouble.

Constant fundraising by the youngsters and their families had last month taken the kitty to more than £30,000 but they were still hunting for the rest.

Now with the Ugbrooke grant in the bank, work has this week started, bringing with it the prospect of a summer holiday with somewhere safe and out of trouble for the BMX and skate fans who have so far used whatever land they can find, not always to a warm reception from the community.

Leading the campaign has been PCSO Vanessa Pike who long ago saw the all-round benefits a dedicated park would provide.

'It is out of this world and I can't believe it,' she said after learning that the final piece in the funding jigsaw had dropped into place.

'Having said that we have only just enough so if we hit any more troubles, well, we'll be in trouble.

'It's been a battle so far with plenty of ups and downs but, thanks to the community and the KRU, we're there at last it seems.'

Initial construction works began on Wednesday with the ramps set to take shape next Monday.

Lee Martin, director of Ugbrooke Environmental, said: 'We are very excited to be able to assist this project as we have many others in Kingsteignton over the years.

'Vanessa came to us a year ago after being turned down for another grant and we invited her to bring two KRU representatives to attend a board meeting.

'We were very impressed with their presentation and decided to award the money.'

A car boot sale at the Rydon community hall from 11am - 4pm has been planned as an additional fundraiser. Set up from 10am, it will include a draw and hot food.