Lauder skateboard park fundraising continues

And they are pushing for the verbal agreement to lease the field to be signed and sealed soon.

A spokesperson for Lauder BMX Skatepark said: “So far there hasn’t been a negative from anyone in our area and this month we have a couple of companies who wish to discuss our plans with us, with a view to supporting our youngsters.

“We are all tremendously proud of our group as are our community.”

Plans have been drawn up for the park and will go to the group on Sunday for final approval.

Sunday will see the group also hold a fundraising bike lesson followed by a short bike ride and mini cross-country for more experienced riders, starting at Lauder’s football pitch at 2.30pm.

Earlston builder Charlie Rodger has sponsored the skateboard group with materials, while a local resident is putting forward cash towards the park.

The group held the Borders’ first multi-event for teenagers fundraiser on Lauder Moor last month, with performances from teenage bands as well as a dance company, bike trials and an auction.

Enthusiast James Hewitt of Edinburgh’s “Brake the Cycle” which teaches young offenders how to fix bikes, helped the youngsters with their machines and donated 20 to the day’s auction.

Edinburgh’s The Bike Station also donated bikes to the auction along with locals – including supporter and former Scottish Borders Councillor John Paton-Day who put forward his Claud Butler road bike. And the Society of St James from Southampton, which supports homeless and vulnerable people, sent a mountain bike up for the event with the help of haulage company Think World Wide.

The campaigning youngsters have already created their own logo and Facebook page which led to other young enthusiasts from around the Borders visiting the town recently, including Kelso Skatepark’s Ali Hay and Susan and Martin McBain from Melrose Skatepark, and others from Hawick, St Boswells, Port Seton and Edinburgh.

The day was so successful the campaigners plan to make it an annual event.

The push for the park has also seen a team of four young people attend a recent meeting of Lauder Community Council, when they pressed for faster action over the lease of the proposed site.