DREAMS of creating a £30,000 skatepark in Radcliffe are set to become a reality tonight (Thurs Feb 15).

Members of Bury's planning control sub-committee are expected to formally approve proposals to develop a skatepark for use by skateboarders, BMX bikers and in-line skaters.

The new free community park will be based on land between Hutchinson Way and Sion Street in Radcliffe.

The scheme is the idea of the Radcliffe Association of Dedicated Skaters (RADS), which has already raised several thousands of pounds to help fund the venture.

Radcliffe Area Board has also provided a £5,000 grant towards the creation of the skate-pad while Bury Council has made £20,000 available for landscaping.

Recommending the scheme be approved at tonight's meeting, Bury's principal planning officer, Mr Jan Brejwo, said: "This development would cater for a popular leisure activity usually indulged in informally within public areas and which can create a nuisance.

"It has been difficult to find an acceptable site for this skatepark and there is no other such facility at present in the borough.

"The site chosen appears to lend itself well to the skatepad."

There has been no objection to the scheme from neighbours living close to the skatepark site.