DIGGERS have torn down a skatepark to make way for its replacement, after more than two decades of campaigning.
The 11-year-old wooden ramps at the Meadow Lane Skatepark, in East Oxford, were taken down yesterday morning.
A new £300,000 skatepark will be built on the site for use by skaters and BMX bikers and it is hoped it will be open by November.
Oxford Wheels Project chairman Jack Richens, who is now 32 and has led the campaign for over a decade, said: “It took three minutes to tear down ramps that took three months to build.
“It is sad to see it go, but personally I am pleased it is moving on.”
The project raised money to build the park by applying for grants, the latest being £50,000 from Sport England.
Mr Richens – pictured left with councillor Mark Lygo – said: “Since the money came through from Sport England we have been all systems go. It is very exciting.
“It is quite a relief – this has been a long time coming.”
City councillors gave approval for the park to be built in January.
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