A PROJECT to develop a £100,000 skatepark in a market town is to show off its proposed plans for the scheme at a public display.

The Thirsk8 group have been looking to develop a site for youths to use for over a year and a half for skaters and BMX bikes.

The group is made up of Thirsk and Sowerby youngsters keen to use a facility and also members of North Yorkshire County Council’s youth team.

Funding has been secured from several sources such as the Big Lottery Fund, Hambleton District and North Yorkshire County councils.

The proposed site is a piece of land on Gravel Hole Lane, in Sowerby, close to Thirsk, and the plans are starting to take shape.

Thirsk Town and Sowerby Parish councils are amongst those groups consulted and if the plan gets backing it is hoped to start building this year.

The campaigners are also keen to implement security measures to stop the site been abused or from users causing problems.

Councillor Derek Adamson, mayor on Thirsk Town Council, said: "From what I have seen of the plans it’s very futuristic and it looks brilliant.

"The youngsters have been after a proper skatepark in the town for years.

"At present if they’re really serious about the sport they have to travel miles to do it and so I hope this one goes through."

County councillor for Thirsk Gareth Dadd added: "It’s a much needed facility for Thirsk.

"I take my hat off to the young people who have pursued this project but there needs to be proper security and supervision."

A public consultation of the plans for the Thirsk8 skatepark is to be held between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, January 16, in Thirsk School bus park.

A second viewing session is at Thirsk Library between Monday, 18, to Friday, 31, January.