SKATEBOARD facilities in Malton and Norton look set to become a reality after a major breakthrough.

The Gazette & Herald was told last week that Northern Electric would be prepared to offer a site in Norton for the facility.

This week, PC Stewart Ashton, the driving force behind the latest bid to get a skate park off the ground, received confirmation from Northern Electric, which owns the lease of the site.

In a letter to PC Ashton, Northern Electric says it is happy to offer a short-term tenancy of the site for two years at no cost.

In the letter, Ray Waggott, property manager for Northern Electric, said as long as the freeholders of the land, the Fitzwilliam (Malton) Estates, had no objection to the plan, a tenancy could be drawn up leasing the land to the group that will administer the skate board park.

PC Ashton hailed the decision as a major breakthrough.

"I'm pleased," he said. "It's excellent news, it's a major breakthrough. It's looking hopeful at long last."

Now that the site has been offered, securing funding for the project is the next big step, but PC Ashton said grant bids were now coming along well.

The Gazette & Herald has regularly reported on the need for a skate park and PC Ashton said: "To be honest, the press has actually played a significant role in this by highlighting the issue."

The next steps for PC Ashton are to look at a concrete area for the land and getting a solicitor to draw up a tenancy agreement.

Then he will be getting all the skate groups together.

"We will be calling a meeting of all the skate boarders, BMX and in-line skaters to discuss with them the ramps and the future of the project," said PC Ashton.

Fitzwilliam Estate manager Roddy Bushell is pleased with the news.

He said: "I'm encouraged by Northern Electric's attitude and I'm delighted that the skate board park is finally going to happen.

"I have arranged a meeting with PC Ashton to make sure the right terms are agreed with Northern Electric."

The mayors of both Malton and Norton are also delighted that the skate park now has a location.

Malton Mayor Coun Jane Wilford said: "That is excellent news, I'm absolutely delighted. It really is such good news."

Coun Wilford said it will be good for the youngsters to finally get some good news about the project as it has been going on for so long.

"I'm hoping my council will support them. I certainly feel we should give some money towards this project."

Norton Mayor Coun Keith Mennell agreed it was great news.

"It's an ideal site, it's away from residential property generally and it shouldn't cause too much of a nuisance," said Coun Mennell, who said he was a bit saddened that it had taken Malton and Norton so long to secure a site.

But he said: "I think it will go a long way to getting some of the kids off the street. I'm not saying they are vandals but one or two people think there is a nuisance element when they are skateboarding on pavements and in car parks.

"I think it will be good for the young people."

Updated: 09:39 Thursday, November 15, 2001