Edinburgh City Council has approved 75 per cent of the funding required to build a new skatepark in the south of the city.

While the scheme is at an early stage, indicative total costs of £130,000 have been mooted by the South Edinburgh Partnership – which is co-ordinating the development.

£80,000 will come from community regeneration funds, which have just been approved by the executive of the council.

The remainder is likely to come from local businesses and Sportscotland. The park is likely to be situated at Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park while development is expected to be completed by March 2006.

Executive member for sport, leisure and culture, Cllr Ricky Henderson, said: “Skateboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and we’re aware of the demand for high quality skateboarding facilities in the city.” Details: www.edinburgh.gov.uk