BUSSAGE skate park is to be revamped thanks to a newly awarded £60,000 grant.

The funding, which came via Gloucestershire County Council’s Youth Capital Fund, was secured jointly by Chalford Parish Council and online skate shop owner Andy Wilkins to overhaul the popular site, which has fallen into disrepair.

Skate enthusiast Andy, 35, who runs Internet-based Andy’s Skate Shop from his home in Bussage, said the grant would be used to replace the park’s rotting wooden ramps with concrete slopes.

Plans for the new-look facility were posted on social networking site Facebook for park users to comment on and final designs have now been approved by planners.

Construction could start at the site in Bussage Pleasure Ground as early as March in time for a proposed grand opening by the summer.

"Everyone who uses the park is thrilled," said Andy, who coordinates a weekly skate club from Frith Youth Centre.

"The layout will be similar to the old one which means it will be suitable for skaters, roller-bladers, scooter riders and BMX riders."

In 2008 Andy successfully applied for funding to renovate Stroud’s skate park in Stratford Park and he also organises annual skate, BMX and scooter fun days in Stroud, Bussage and Nailsworth.