Ambitious plans have been revealed for an indoor skate park with hopes it will help to stop youths from causing mischief on street corners.
A group of Mexborough School pupils are pushing ahead with a scheme to create an adventure sports centre in the town, which could incorporate a skate park, parkour course, graffiti wall and a cafe.
The Mexborough teenagers, who attend the Highwoods Base youth club, believe the park would give young people a place to go instead of congregating on street corners.
Bradley Roden, 16, chairman of the On Track steering group, said: “There are other skate parks but they are out of the area. We need something locally.
“It would take young people off the streets and give them something to do, because there isn’t much at present.”
The group has come up with initial sketches for the project and has held several meetings with council officials and the boss of an established indoor skate park in Leeds.
Youth worker Jill Arkley-Jevons, of Mexborough, is helping the group. She said youngsters had made initial inquiries about using vacant buildings in the town.
The group is also looking at launching a fundraising appeal.
Mrs Arkley-Jevons said: “I have sent letters to land owners asking about various places and I’m awaiting replies.
“We may need to ask for support from local businesses and I will be looking at applying for grants.”
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