Axminster skatepark volunteers tackle the Willhay flood problems

A team from the new skatepark in Axminster have been working flat out to improve the drainage at Willhay Lane with great success, not only for the skateboarders but also for those who use the lane for access to the town.

Flooding in this area has been an issue for many years funding from generous Axminster businesses and Axminster Care Service has now enabled the improvements to be carried out.

Secretary Eve Chubb, speaking on behalf of the skatepark trustees, said that the work would have costs thousands of pounds. She said the skatepark is a stand alone charity that now has a strong, passionate team of trustees, to help with its management.

Axminster Town Council paid for last year's insurance of the skatepark, costing £1,976, but the skatepark team will now have to raise the funds themselves for future years.

Trustee Richard Maguire. "Circumstances before Christmas, forced us to address the flooding problem. This had set us right back with funds, but with the generous, donations from Bradfords with free use of a digger and dumper truck, drainage pipes, etc. and an incredible 40 tons of stone chippings delivered from Hampshire.

"Axminster Care Services came to the rescue and paid for the shortfall of materials needed, it was then a matter of us, putting on the wellies and working dawn till dusk over a weekend.

"There is more work to do with tidying but when we have the use of another digger, we hope to add a free, drinking water tap .

"Foremost aim is to have fencing for advertising, which will provide the income for insurance, etc. This will give us the freedom to put on events for further fundraising.

"Tesco are helping with the blue-chip voting scheme in Axminster and Lyme this January."

The next project at the skatepark will be to install lighting and CCTV, which the trustees hope to find match funding for.

Mrs Chubb said: "Axminster has a wealth of charitable good causes and we are keen to work closely with them.

"MST Auctions recently donated a large amount of outdoor seating, this will help provide a wide range of possibilities to accommodate, outside learning groups, events and visits from Nourish giving free lunches.

"I am in awe with our management team; with their professional skills, passion and enthusiasm, our park will become a valuable community facility.

"We realise we now have a huge responsibility with social care and are all being trained for safeguarding and we are determined to making the park a place of wellbeing."

"On behalf of the Axminster skatepark team we are overwhelmed with the continued support and plan to make this park give back to the community. Infinite thanks to all who made this happen."

The skatepark was officially opened in October by the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow. The project was financed by £150,00 from East Devon District Counci Section 106 funding and £84,000 from the town council.