CAMPAIGNERS have raised concerns a 40-year attempt to bring a skate park to Lyme Regis could hit a final stumbling block.

Earlier this year, Lyme Regis Town Council agreed to spend £150,000 to construct a skate park at the Charmouth Road car park - with the scheme given the green light by planners at West Dorset District Council in March, subject to the land being transferred by the district council.

But campaigners are worried the district council could want payment or another piece of land to be given up – which the town council would have to agree to.

Former town councillor and skate park campaigner Lucy Campbell said: "We have always been given the impression that nothing would be required but there has been quite big changes on the district council.

“I think from their point of view, it's an amazing thing to contribute to. There has been no money involved from the district council, like they have given to other skate park projects. It's a brilliant thing for young people in this town and the district council and the town council have no reason not to be fully supportive.”

Last week, Lyme Regis Town Council agreed to put projects agreed by the previous administration on hold while a working group of councillors discuss the projects behind closed doors.

Mayor Owen Lovell said: “The council is committed to pursue those projects where it has a contractual commitment.

“The council has decided to form a working group to consider all the council’s ongoing projects and issues and for all contracts to continue where practical."

Town clerk John Wright told councillors the authority would be in breach of contract if they did not carry forward projects where contracts had been agreed.

Mr Wright is due to meet with district council officers to discuss any land transfer agreement.

David Brown, head of assets and infrastructure for West Dorset District Council, said: “No decisions have yet been made with regard to any land use, renting or transfer by West Dorset District Council.

"However, once the options and the meeting have been concluded, the details will be reported to the West Dorset District Council committee and Lyme Regis Town Council for their views and decision as to how they wish to take matters forward.”

Cllr Cheryl Reynolds is also concerned the project may not go ahead.

"I'm really concerned that they are going to ask for payment for the land or a land transfer to be given to them in exchange" she said.

"I'm concerned the new town council isn't standing up for the skate park project. They all seem quite happy to let it go and I think that is complete rubbish.

"It was agreed by the last council and I think it's absolutely ridiculous that it might now be stopped."