A NEW skateboard and BMX area on William Pit Field at Lenham, near Maidstone, is a step nearer.

Lenham Parish Council has submitted plans to Maidstone Borough Council seeking permission to change the layout of part of the Old Ham Lane site.

If approval is given, the parish council will be able to move an existing sports wall and play area, making room for the long-awaited skateboard park.

Parish councillor Nigel Godfrey said the council planned to go all out to get the funding next year needed to lay out and fully equip the area.

He said: "It is something that everyone in the village wants to see, with at least the base and some equipment in place by next summer."

The original idea for the skateboard park sprung from an appeal made 18 months ago by pupils from neighbouring Swadelands School.

The parish council and school, with the support of Maidstone council, has already succeeded in raising £15,000.

The project is expected to cost £40,000 in total.