By Clare Kinrade

Published at 12:01, Friday, 04 January 2013

SANTAS – accompanied by a few Elves – were out in force to show their support for plans to build a skatepark in memory of Keswick crash victim Kieran Goulding.

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They brought a blaze of red to Workington skatepark, off Stainburn Road, yesterday to help raise awareness of the project planned for Kie Park, in Hensingham. And it was third time lucky for the Santas after two previous attempts to stage the skate were cancelled due to rain.

Dylan Sewell, vice-chairman of the committee, said their hopes are for the park to become the best skatepark in the north.

“Our plan is for it to be five times bigger than this one in Workington but we are also keeping things realistic,” he said.

“There are plans for a lot more features such as bowls, obstacles and bigger ramps but also fewer hazards.”

Mr Sewell said talks were ongoing between the committee and a UK skatepark builder, with drafts of possible layouts being created.

More than £4,000 towards the park has already been raised by Kieran’s friends and family.

Earlier this year Kieran’s mum, Tracey Nicholson, cycled 900 miles, the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats, and raised £2,613.

Ms Nicholson said anything between £200,000 to £350,000 would be needed to built the facility.

“This is something that skaters, bladers, scooter riders and BMX enthusiasts can take ownership of to drive forward and have in their area,” she said.

“Kieran loved bikes but as time went on he progressed to skateboarding and it just took hold of him.

“A park like the one we’re planning will provide the perfect facility for young people to practice and develop their passion.”

Access Skateboards, Supertoxic Urethane, Skateport, Park, Lateral Skateboards and Kurb Skateboarding, sponsored the event.

People can follow the Facebook page for updates at www.facebook.com/events/125923227567846/.

Kieran, 15, from Whitehaven, and Chloe Walker, 16, from Frizington, died when the bus, which was taking them home from Keswick School, collided with a car in 2010. An inquest heard that car driver Patrick Short was likely to have fallen asleep at the wheel. His car strayed into the wrong road and drove directly into the path of the bus.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk