Oxford's only skatepark has been handed a lifeline after receiving thousands of pounds worth of vital building supplies.

The wooden skatepark in Meadow Lane has permission to open until December - but the condition of the equipment had prompted fears that it would not be able to open for its final year.

However, thanks to donation of timber, nails and tools, it will still be able to offer skaters a place to go.

Oxford Wheels Project (OWP), which has run the East Oxford skatepark for the past decade, said it was "gobsmacked" by the generosity.

OWP chairman Jack Richens said: "This is just fantastic news. It's the first time that we have received a donation like this in our 10-year history.

"Usually at this time of year, we are scrabbling around trying to find the £3,000 to make the repairs to the ramps, but because of this donation, it has only cost us £400.

"Without this donation, we may not have been able to reopen the skatepark, so everyone is really pleased."

Builders merchants Buildbase and Travis Perkinsand tool hire firm M&J Hire all contributed materials and tools to the skatepark's annual repairs.

Buildbase regional director, Dave Robertsonok, said: "We're 100 per cent committed to giving back to local community.

"We're a local business and we like to get involved in projects like this."

The park is due to close at the end of 2007 as OWP can no longer afford the cost of the annual repairs to the wooden ramps at the site, which is in a flood plain.

Alternative locations are currently being explored, including the possibility of a permanent site at the Cowley Marsh recreation ground.

However, local residents have gathered a petition of more than 300 signatures based on concerns over noise and an organisation running a public space.

An independent noise consultancy firm, Alan Saunders Associates, found the park would not generate noise above the minimum background level, but environmental health officers disagreed with the findings.

Mr Richens said: "These two weeks over the Easter holidays are some of the busiest over the entire year.

"I hope the council will take the time to come and visit the site and check the noise levels.

"All we want is a new site for our skatepark and everyone is prepared to put the work in. It's down to the council now."

The city council has said it is still looking into the location of the park amid concerns from Cowley Marsh residents.

Bryan Keen, chairman of the council's Cowley area committee, said: "The city council owns lots of pockets of land all over the city and one of these may be a better location for the skatepark."