A £400,000 skatepark in Sittingbourne remains on track, says Swale council.

Last week, we reported how Cllr Ghlin Whelan (Lab) feared more setbacks after outline proposals, due to be discussed by planning committee members on February 13, were deferred.

This is because amended plans are being put forward requiring further public consultation. Comments are also needed from key groups including the Environment Agency.

But it was Cllr Whelan’s comment the project has “no ownership of land, no planning and very little money” which enraged supporters and prompted a statement to be issued by Swale.

A spokesman said: “Plans remain fully on track. The council did secure the site [behind Pizza Hut and Halfords on the Mill Way retail park] last year as home for the new skatepark in an agreement with [the owners] Essential Land.

“More than £70,000 has already been raised to secure the venture from the council, councillors’ grants and the skateboarding group’s own fundraising efforts.

“That money will be used to attract matched-funding in a series of bids to funding agencies.

“The deferred planning application is expected to be resubmitted in April, and everyone, not least the young people in the skateboarding group, continues to work very hard to see this exciting project through to a successful conclusion.”

The original planning application, designed for boarders, roller bladers, BMX riders and scooterists, includes beginner, intermediary and advanced areas.

It also features a street plaza, covered all-weather area and space for a cafe and skate shops.

Picnic benches and a climbing wall are included, and the park is designed to be capable of hosting regional events. It was going to be called The Paper Mill but this has been changed to The Mill.

To support the Skatepark Fundraising Group, contact chairman Jordan Rogers at jordanrogers95@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page Build Sittingbourne’s Skatepark.