FRIDAY, September 14 saw the grand opening of the Old Cattle Market skate park in Camelford, created by Freestyle.

The skate park was opened by members of the newly formed OCM Skate Park Club, together with the mayor, Cllr Kirsty Ferguson, and deputy mayor and play areas working group chair, Cllr Claire Hewlett.

Over 150 people supported the event, which included an amazing raffle, which raised £282.40 towards the club’s activities, skateboard, BMX and scooter competitions, organised by the OCM Skate Park Club.

Mount Hawke Skate Park pros Henry Robbins and Adam Moss judged the competition, as part of the partnership between Camelford and Mount Hawke.

Cllr Ferguson said: “What a wonderful opportunity for Camelford this is. I am delighted that this town is going from strength to strength and being supported by our community, young and old.”

The project started in April 2017 with visits to local schools, a ‘meet the designers’ event with the tender applicants, and the Camelford Show. Designs were voted on by children parents, and Freestyle was a clear winner.

VIP guests included Wendy Reading, from SITA Cornwall Trust Ltd, who gave a grant of £35,000, and Louise Pyle from Cornwall Council, who gave s106 monies of £48,000 towards the total cost. Camelford Town Council contributed £30,000.

Amanda Lash, deputy town clerk and project manager for the skate park, said: “Camelford Town Council are delighted with the success of this project. Our thanks go to SITA Cornwall Trust Ltd and Cornwall Council for the money needed to make this happen. We are committed to providing the best facilities possible for our young people, and this much-needed facility is just the start of things to come.”

A spokesperson from OCM Skatepark said: “OCM Skatepark Club would like to thank everyone for coming. A special thanks to the Mount Hawke pros Henry Robbins and Adam Moss for judging the competition — the kids absolutely loved it.

“A big thank you to all the businesses and residents in and around Camelford for their raffle prizes. You all helped us raise a massive £282.40 for our new club. Camelford Town Council and Town Trust, thank you for all your support and for letting us do this, and last, but not least, a massive thank you to the kids, teens and adults — you have all been amazing.

“You are making the skatepark what it is today and we are incredibly proud.

“We cannot wait to get fully up and running with out club nights, competitions, coaching and fundraising. Exciting things are on the horizon and we hope that you will all love being a part of it.”

The council recently approved a scheme to redevelop the rest of the Old Cattle Market site, including a basketball court, parkour, gym and café. The refurbishment of Enfield Park play area is due to start in February or March 2019. Watch this space!

For further information about the OCM Club, contact their Facebook page, Instagram page or email them at [email protected]