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A HAVERHILL teenager is campaigning for a skate park for youngsters in the town to use.
Kes Beasley, 13, of Jay Close, Haverhill, has written to Haverhill Town Council, St Edmundsbury Borough Council's Leisure Services Department and Suffolk county councillor Maggie Lee raising the issue.
Kes, who attends Linton Village College, is following in the footsteps of his half-brother Carl Norris, 23, who previously led a successful campaign for skateboarding facilities about 10 years ago.
He said he was surprised how helpful the town council had been and hoped something could be done to help him and about 20 friends enjoy their sport.
"I have been skateboarding for a couple of years and we just want a place where we can go in Haverhill. The town council said they would help us in any way they could," Kes said.
Janet Beasley, Kes' mother, said a ramp was provided near Haverhill Sports Centre, but as it had no cover it got wet and rusted.
The ramp deteriorated so it was not fit to use and has since been taken away.
Mrs Beasley said she supported Kes in his campaign and felt it was unfair he and his friends had to go to Cambridge to buy equipment and to Bury St Edmunds for skateboarding facilities.
"There should be something for them here in Haverhill. It would give them something to do and keep them off the streets.
"They would like it to be organised like a club so that if people have to pay membership they won't trash it.
"They just want somewhere safe to use their skateboards, or blades or bikes, where they won't cause too much disturbance to anyone," Mrs Beasley said.
Gordon Mussett, Haverhill town clerk, said Kes had spoken to the Planning committee, who had asked him and leisure worker Nick Keeble to investigate what was needed and get a cost estimate.
They would be liaising with the Chalkstone Tenants and Residents Association, which had been considering providing a facility, as well as Suffolk police.
They would also be visiting a skate park at Dunmow and looking for funds from St Edmundsbury Borough and Suffolk County councils if the scheme went ahead.
"We will try to help provide what the young people want if it is possible and financially viable," Mr Mussett said.

PHOTO CAPTION: Skateboarding campaign... Haverhill youngster Kes Beasley, 13, right who is trying to get a skate park built in the town, woth friends, from left, Gary Simpson , 12, Jason Rudge 14,Glen Rudge, 12 and Rickie Johnson, 13.