PLANS to open an indoor skate park in Portishead have moved a step closer.

North Somerset Council has approved a planning application, submitted by local businessmen Neil Delaney and Jason Harvey, to transform a redundant warehouse in Old Mill Road into a centre for skateboarders and scooter and BMX riders.

The plans also include the introduction of a Crucial BMX shop and a caf� with a viewing area. The centre would be open from 3.30-10pm Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and during school holidays. Workshops, including graffiti art, professional guest spots and DJ sessions are also on the agenda.

Mr Harvey said: “We are so pleased to be able to get this project moving forward at last. We now need to secure the lease, which is in the hands of agents and solicitors. Since we announced our proposals we have had hundreds of young people from Portishead and surrounding towns and villages pledge their support for the indoor facility which, if all goes to plan, we hope to open early in the New Year.”

Although permission has been granted by North Somerset Council to change the unit into an indoor skate park, another Portishead business has also applied for planning permission to change the use of the warehouse. The Fitness Hub, currently based at Kestrel Court in Harbour Road, is waiting for approval on plans to convert the building into a gym.

Mr Harvey added: “We are keeping a positive mindset. There are so many young people depending on us, we can’t even contemplate not achieving our aims. We have a sound business plan and everything in place ready to go, we just need to sign that lease.”