Brentwood Skatepark users must raise �10,000 by the end of this year to ensure the new facility will be open in the spring.

To help the appeal, Brentwood councillors are pledging to donate money to help, and are urging people to support the appeal.

The original park was threatened with closure after equipment was damaged a year ago, but a group of users got together to refurbish the park and formed the Brentwood Skatepark Association, with the help of Brentwood Council.

The first phase of the skatepark, in Ingrave Road, was completed in August and includes a concrete bowl as its centre-piece. It is being used by 50 skaters, bmx riders and roller skaters a day.

The second phase of the project is a street section with obstacles, including standing rails and ledges. The final phase with jumps and a spine ramp is due to be built next year.

Brentwood councillors said they will support phase two of the project by pledging their own cash for the appeal.

Councillors Julie Morrissey, David Kendall and Mark Reed said in a joint statement: “This is entirely non-political as we all know what a great asset the skatepark is, and we are all proud of how well the independent Brentwood Skatepark Association has progressed this project.

“The association wants to urgently raise �10,000, so we are asking for 100 people to each give �50, and we are personally getting the ball rolling with our own donations.

“We are also looking for a local company or wealthy individual to match this, which would bring in the �10,000 needed to complete phase two.”

You can contact the association and donate at www.brentwoodskatepark.org.uk.