A ‘BELOVED’ skatepark is to receive a much-needed makeover that will see its tired metal ramps transformed into a modern concrete park.

After 13 years of use, the park in Tythrop Way, Thame, will be out of action for more than three months from today as Bristol-based skatepark builders Wheelscape Ltd start their work.

The project is expected to cost around £250,000 and will see the land excavated and re-sculpted into a destination park that will include bowls, rhythm sections and a street scene.

Thame Town Council, which worked with a skatepark working group and park users in developing the project, said it will be a “skateboarder’s dream”.

To say their final farewells, skatepark users came together on July 12 to share fond memories and skate the old ramps one last time.

Regular skater Chris Chivers said: “So after finishing school twelve-ish years ago and going up the park every night for hours on end for most of our childhoods, the time has come to take it down and build a new park.

“We have all had good memories of this park and all have pushed ourselves through blood, sweat and close to tears up here.

“We have it all to come again. It’s been awesome.”

Another skateboarder, Adam Hinton, said he was excited for the new park and grateful to those who had been involved in fundraising to make it happen.

He said: “It will be sad to see the park go but equally I can’t wait for the new one to be complete.”

The town council has said thank-you to South Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Thame Rotary, Thame Carnival and the other businesses and individuals that have made donations towards the scheme.

* Visit thametowncouncil.gov.uk to stay updated on the progress of the build.