TOWN councillors took a deep breath when they were told the cost of providing new skatepark facilities in Petersfield could top £200,000. The council has set aside £50,000 of its own capital funds to go towards skate bowls and ramps at Love Lane. But at a grounds committee meeting last Thursday, Festival Of Young People organiser Nigel Wells revealed nearly four times that much could be needed to give skateboarders and BMX riders what they want. The latest step in the long-running attempt to provide state-of-the-art facilities in the town has seen a London architect contacted to draw up plans for a concrete skate bowl. Mr Wells said that the resulting cost would be £200 per square meter. But he added that FoYP would be able to offer £7,500 for the early stages of the process. He said: "Until we know how much it is really going to be, I don't think we should be put off by the tag I have put on it." Although councillors were surprised at the amount, they were also confident of securing grant funding to make up the £150,000 difference. Another period of consultation is due to take place before the matter goes back on the council agenda in May.
