Wisbech is on track to get a “crucial” new skate park next summer thanks to £35,000 of town council funding – but councillors are hoping the local community will come together to raise thousands still needed.

Wisbech Town Council, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and local housing provider Clarion Futures will be working with residents and the Oasis Community Centre to develop and fund a new skate park in Bath Road on the Waterlees ward.

Fenland District Council will also contribute £5,000, alongside ongoing skate park maintenance and safety assessment costs.

A Fenland District Council spokesman said: “The old skate park had reached the end of its useful life, with all the old equipment being removed by Fenland District Council earlier this year due to safety concerns.”

Project leaders said the move was disappointing for local youngsters, but represented a “real opportunity” to offer a new and improved facility for the whole community.

The group has begun applying to various funders for support, and will be fundraising within the local community.

Wisbech Town Councillor Laura Cobb, who is leading the town council’s support for the project, said: “We have many young people living very close to this area and they tell me that an improved facility is necessary.

“This is a place where young people gather, enjoy themselves and help create the community that we enjoy.

“This project is crucial to the area, as well as wider Wisbech communities, and I hope that we can deliver a fantastic skate park by the summer holidays next year.”

A community group is also being set up to back the project, which has also been supported with £500 from Wisbech Town Council’s Mayor’s Fund.

Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “This project has considerable community backing and I am pleased that Fenland is getting a large group together to push this important community project along.

“We have seen the success of similar projects across Fenland and given the number of young people living in this area I expect that this new skate park will be the busiest yet.”

Local businesses are also being urged to support the project. Anyone wishing to get involved can contact Laura Cobb at Wisbech Town Council on 01945 461333.

Mayor of Wisbech Councillor Steve Tierney said: “Several areas will benefit from updated and new playground equipment. This has been pushed hard by the four town councillors: Laura Cobb, Billy Rackley, Andrew Lynn and Andy Maul, as it was a key pledge they made during their election campaign.”