SKATERS have got the ball rolling with fundraising to make sure plans for a new facility in Bicester are not just a halfpipe dream.

Riders of Garth Park skate park have been pushing for an overhaul and working alongside Bicester Town Council and Thames Valley Police to make it happen.

The council has pledged 25 per cent of the costs - expected to be around £150,000 - as long as skaters can fundraise some of the money themselves also.

So over the recent weeks those skate park users have been drumming up support at various town events and so far raised over £320.

Skater Jake Fincham said: "We raised this by running a stall selling cans of soft drinks at the same time raising awareness of our cause at Bicester Big Lunch.

"We had lots of positive comments following this and are grateful to Grassroots Bicester for giving us the opportunity.

"There are also a few dates in the diary where we will be fundraising at Garth Park.

"We will be doing some work for the cafe the during the summer events, the first fundraiser we have planned the Robbie Williams tribute night.

"The skate park means a lot to me personally, it gives me something to do when I'm free.

"It gives me a place where I can relax and just skate with out thinking about it.

"A new park would really enhance this personally and have a very good impact on the younger generation as it would improve the general atmosphere."

Thames Valley Police officer Vicky Lees started the process last year after receiving complaints about skating in the town centre.

The officer found that skaters were not using the park as it had become dangerous and outdated according to users.

After meetings between all parties, PC Vicky Lees agreed with skaters, aged between 10 and 25, they would clean up their act around the skatepark and help fundraise for the upgrade.

Since, Bicester Town Council has recognised the improvements and put forward designs to replace the skate park.

PC Vicky Lees said: "We are currently awaiting the outcome of a funding bid via the council to central Government. The results of this are anticipated in another couple of months or so.

"As it stands the group are about a quarter of a way towards their target.

"The group have really impressed everyone they’ve come in to contact with, with their dedication and positive attitude to all the events they’ve attended and jobs they’ve done.

"There are plenty more ideas they are looking to make a reality before the summer is out."