A SKATE park at the heart of Southend could be up and running by the end of the year after councillors approved plans and brought funding forward.

Southend Council’s cabinet gave the go ahead to the £250,000 “wheeled sports” area on the site of the former Warrior Square swimming pool.

The facility will also be for BMXs, scooters and other non-motorised wheeled sports. Council officers warned the creation of the skate park on the site could “limit future development of the site”.

However supportive councillors heard the facility could be moved if a developer came forward in the future.

The council launched a consultation on the plans at the beginning of the year which showed the town centre location to be the preferred option.

The plans, which have taken five years to organise, were spearheaded by James Courtenay, former councillor responsible for children and learning. Mr Courtenay was unable to attend the cabinet meeting on Tuesday to see his scheme passed a year earlier than intended.

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, said: “This is the place to put it. We have looked at other places and it really doesn’t go. In certain places suggested no one would use it because of those who would be overlooking it.

“Councillor James Courtenay was very keen to go here in the centre so young people can use it.”

Lesley Salter, councillor responsible for healthy communities and wellbeing, also welcomed the skatepark, adding: “I thought the consultation was very good and very well done.” Skaters and bikers currently use a makeshift park outside Southend Victoria station, on the corner of Victoria Avenue, and Queensway, but the skatepark will mean they have a permanent base. A planning application will follow next.