A FORTY year campaign to bring a skatepark to Lyme Regis has finally been given the green light following a heated debate by councillors.

Lyme Regis Town Council agreed a 20-year lease of part of the Charmouth Road car park from West Dorset District Council in exchange for a £2,000 annual charge.

The skatepark can now go ahead, with construction due to start in September.

Cllr Cheryl Reynolds made a passionate plea for members to ensure the project makes it past the 'final hurdle'.

"I'm not altogether happy that we didn't have it for free" she said. "However, I know that sometimes one has to step back and take what we are offered.

"This needs to go through without any problems."

Cllr Reynolds also told members that plans were in place to reform the skatepark committee, led by youngsters who would 'take responsibility' and try to fundraise part of the costs.

Cllr Derek Hallett hit out at the skatepark project and ignored Cllr Reynolds' plans for the committee to reform.

"Will the skatepark committee actually continue and contribute towards the costs?" he asked.

"This money we are spending is public money, it's not ours. Forty two percent of the population is over 65. When is this council going to do something for them? 

"I've been inundated by people who don't want this skateboard park. If we had a referendum, I think the majority would vote no."

But Cllr Reynolds hit back, saying: "Cllr Hallett, you don't listen and you don't hear.

"I had just told you I am in discussions to form a skatepark committee.

"I will be 68 years old this July and I will love the skatepark. I am one of your 40 percent.

"For as many people who have told you they don't want it, I have hundreds who have told me differently."

Cllr Daryl Turner told members he would not vote on the matter, as he had previously contacted head of assets and infrastructure at West Dorset District Council David Brown to discuss the land transfer agreement.

Councillors voted in favour of paying the annual rent, paving the way for Wheelscape to carry out construction work.

After the meeting, campaigner Mark Gage told The News: "It has been a very long campaign and I just know the young people of Lyme Regis are going to be so pleased.

"The young people and their parents before them have been trying to get this skatepark for around 40 years. We are hoping that people from other towns will travel to use our skatepark and people holidaying in Lyme Regis will also use the facility. 

"It really will be a wonderful facility for the town."