A NEW skatepark has been opened after years of hard work and fundraising.
Skaters and bikers from action group BAGaged raised £40,000 over two years through grants and fundraising for the facility in Grange Meadow, Bletchingley.
It was officially opened on Saturday by Tandridge district councillor Tony Elias, along with residents and users of the skatepark.
The new series of ramps replaces the previous ramp that had to be removed by the district council in January 2010 due to health and safety concerns.
Paul Kirwan, secretary of the group, said: "These concerns have been addressed with the new design, and feedback so far from users has been very positive."
The action group was formed by young people in Bletchingley to raise funds for youth facilities in the village.
Mr Kirwan added: "BAGaged arose from a fusion of the enthusiasm of the local youth with the experience of older residents to help them negotiate a deal with the maze of red tape and complicated grant applications that such a project entails."
The group worked closely with the district council, Bletchingley Parish Council, Surrey County Council and the local community to raise funds for the new facility.
"There was great local support for replacing the skate ramp," added Mr Kirwan
"Response to the BAGaged petitions in 2010, displayed in local businesses and online, attracted more than 1,000 signatures."
The initial target for the project was to raise £40,000 to provide a durable skatepark, tailored to the needs of BMX bike riders, skateboarders and scooter riders.
"That this was achieved in under two years is a tribute to the hard work and determination of BAGaged and the help and support of the whole community," he said.
BAGaged has leased the land that the ramp occupies from the district council and will share financial responsibility for its on-going maintenance to ensure it remains part of future decision making.
This means that the fundraising will continue to ensure BAGaged is able to meet its commitment to maintaining the popular facility.
To donate, e-mail chairman of BAGaged James Holland at james_holland@hotmail.co.uk
