COUNCILLORS have agreed for two replacement skateparks to be built in the borough, and for the building of a third to be explored at a new site.

The two replacement skateparks will be in Northlands Park and Lake Meadows costing a combined £500,000, with a new site to be explored at a location in Laindon.

There are currently five skateparks in the borough, of which three at Gloucester Park, Nevendon Road, and Markhams Chase, have undergone full refurbishments in recent years to replace the previous structures with new concrete ones.

The concrete structures require less maintenance due to their robustness and provide a better user experience. For these reasons, members of the council's leisure and environment committee also approved that concrete will be the preferred material for any future skateparks in the borough.

Chairman of the Committee Cllr Craig Rimmer said: "These new skateparks will stand as a real community hub for our borough's adventurous young people and will be state-of-the-art facilities that residents and us as a council can be really proud of.

"We've also committed to exploring the building of a new skate park in Laindon – as we want to improve youth provision across the whole borough, to make sure all are able to access these fantastic and free facilities.

"From the success of the three concrete structures installed in recent years, we know that this is the option that people want, but it's also the preferred option for us as a council too.

"The existing skatepark in Lake Meadows was shamefully burnt down – and concrete provides the best fire resistance of any building material. So these skateparks will be built to last and be enjoyed by residents for many years to come."