THE public are being encouraged to have their say on plans to transform a skatepark in Northwich.

The town council have released a survey for residents to complete in relation to plans for the Vickersway facilty.

Skaters from the town have been campaigning to have a new or refurbished skatepark in the town for many years and those hopes are now much closer to reality.

Town clerk Chris Shaw said: "Basically we have been asked for a number of years to look at refurbishing the current skate park at Vickersway but other play areas need attention first.

"The skate park is next on the list and we have been working with the local skaters to see what it is they would want to see if we were to obtain the funding.

"Local skaters have formed a friends of group and are helping us with the consultation, we are hoping to submit on March 1 this year so the timelines are pretty tight."

Shaun Bowers, who runs the town's skate shop and is chairman of the Skating Community of Northwich, said he hopes the group will continue its plan to raise money for the scheme via the community.

He said: "We have had a few events so far; including the Here today/S.C.O.N tomorrow day in August last year; where we worked in conjunction with Northwich Town Council, Northwich BID and the Salty Dog crew to put on live music, stalls, raffle and a bit of demonstrations at Roker Park.

"Our hope is to have a group of local people that will take care of the renovated skatepark, the surrounding area and to emphasis the positive spirit the community."

You can complete the survey HERE - which will need to be done by Monday, February 7.