WEM Town Council will look at potential funding sources to construct a new skatepark for the town.

Wem currently has a skatepark, situated in the recreation ground, but it is underdeveloped compared to similar offerings in Whitchurch and Market Drayton.

At the most recent town council meeting, held virtually on Thursday, March 25, councillors spoke with Peter Watton, a local skateboarder who wished to see a new, more modern facility constructed.

In a letter to councillors, Mr Watton said: Over the past weeks running up to spring there has been an influx of people attending the park and I have asked the question if they would be interested in a new park.

"If necessary I can open a petition so you can see for yourself how many local children or older kids would like to see this.

"Not only is this for locals, I myself travel around visiting different parks and am amazed at how far people will travel for a decent skatepark in turn using the local shops, buses and trains.

"This could definitely put Wem on the map in a unique way and could attract attention.

"Many children get dropped at these parks by parents, giving the parents the excuse to go for a walk in this lovely town with possible spending on the high street which we could all agree is not a bad thing."

Councillor Peter Broomhall was the first to comment on the issue, agreeing that the town did need a new skatepark.

"I think this skatepark is out of date and we need to invest on making a new up to date one that the users can skate properly," he said.

"I would be in favour of trying to find some money to get a new skatepark."

Cllr Geoff Soul agreed, but suggested the council would need to find funding.

"I agree in principle but the cost is going to be a problem," he said.

"Are there any possible sources of funding?"

Informing councillors of the possible funding streams, council clerk Penny O'Hagan said the situation was difficult.

"I know the Market Drayton one was funded through the Big Local Fund and Whitchurch I think something similar," said Ms O'Hagan.

"It’s very difficult to find grants at the moment.

"I always keep an eye on grant funding bulletins to see if anything comes through.

"Our skate park is at a point where it needs replacing."

Cllr Chris Mellings also believed the council should look at constructing a new skatepark.

"I think it’s a great idea to review what we might do to replace this [skatepark]," he said.

"I think it’s a really good idea and hopefully we can support it."

Cllr Edward Towers also shared his uncertainty over the funding issue, but expressed his support for the idea.

"I think the whole location of it needs reviewing, it may be we need a bigger skatepark than the one we've got," he said.

"But it is the grant funding that is going to be the big problem."

Councillors agreed to continue to look for funding to support the potential project.