PLANS for a £170,000 skate park in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle moved a step closer to becoming a reality today.

Councillors on Ribble Valley Council's community committee have voted to proceed with the construction of the new skate facility.

The park will replace a similar facility that had to close last year after being repeatedly vandalised, and will be partly designed by the youngsters expected to use it.

The new state-of-the-art facility will be funded using cash from Ultrafame founder John Lancaster.

A report to the committee from sport and leisure officer Chris Hughes said: "A final design has now been completed and instructions to tender for its construction are being sought.

"The new skate park will be constructed from concrete rather than fabricated ramps.

"This will not only provide a more vandal proof solution, but will also reduce noise.

"Providing the tender process is successful, it is hoped the new park will be operational by May next year."

Proposals for the park include building it near the bowling green cafe so skaters could use the nearby multi-games area and changing rooms.

The current changing rooms could also be used to house a small office, cleaning store and even a franchised skate shop.

It is thought the park would be run by a management group comprising The Grand, run by the John Lancaster Foundation, Trinity Community Partnership, Ribble Valley Council and skate park users.

Councillors voted to proceed with the park, subject to the necessary consent.