SCORES of Hampshire riders turned out at a consultation to give their views on a proposed skate park upgrade.

Swanmore Parish Council plans to replace the existing steel and wooden ramps in New Road with a modern concrete skate park, designed and landscaped to become a place children, young people and adults want to be.

The exhibition was attended by pupils from Swanmore Primary School and Swanmore College, and village residents.

Darcy Wright, from Canvas Spaces, the skate park company leading the consultation, talked with the people about the features they would like to see on the site.

“It was good to see so many young people attend and I think the council will be able to come up with something really great as there was a lot of good feedback,” said Darcy.

“The new site will be more durable than the current steel and wooden one, giving a much better ride and potentially lasting for more than 20 years. It will be easier to maintain, costing the council less in the future, and be better designed, meaning it will be used more.”

Assistant clerk Liz Manship added: “We had a good mix of skateboard, scooter and bike riders attend. It was a really successful event.”

The council also hopes to build a running track, extend the car park and build a toilet block at the New Road Playing Field, subject to securing the funds.

Chairman of the New Road Playing Field Committee Cllr Pete Ansty, said: “It has been really positive and great to see such a diverse group of people interested in what we are trying to achieve who all want to contribute and give their time to make sure what we deliver is a great facility for the village and one that people will actually use.”

The council will now tweak the plans based on the feedback. It is hoped that the work will be completed next year.