AN OSWESTRY schoolboy is hopeful his petition for better skatepark facilities in Oswestry will prove to make a difference in the town after the matter was discussed at a meeting of the town council.

Maurice Humphreys, who studies at the Marches School, set up an online petition calling for improvements to skatepark facilities in the town, and has so far received 136 signatures.

His petition was put to Oswestry Town Council, who discussed the matter at a meeting last month, with councillors agreeing that it should be further discussed.

Maurice started the petition after speaking to friends his age, and has been pleased with the response so far.

He said: "I spoke to a lot of kids my age and we all agreed a new skatepark would be one of the best things for Oswestry.

"There could be better facilities around than what we currently have, and a lot of people agreed it would be a good idea.

"I wasn’t sure how to get it to the council initially, but after discussing with friends, I decided to set up an online petition.

"After a couple of weeks the petition was doing really well, with around 140 signatures. I was so surprised when I saw how many there were.

"My friends have been really supportive throughout this and keep saying they hope it happens.

"The outcome of the recent council meeting sounded positive when they discussed it, so I’m hopeful something will happen."

Like many his age, Maurice spends a lot of time at the skatepark, and believes an improvement to the facilities would encourage more people to use them.

"I ride a scooter and go to the skatepark every day," he said. "There’s a lot of people who come there at the moment.

"I try to get there after school as quick as I can, so do many others.

"It’s a good opportunity for kids to practice using their scooters, skateboards and bikes.

"I think if the facilities were improved and sheltered that would be great, because we obviously get quite a lot of rainy days.

"There isn’t always a lot for younger people to do, so it would be nice to see this happen and give young people in the area something to enjoy."

The matter was put before the council last month by Councillor Mike Isherwood, with members unanimously supporting a motion to ask council officers to compile a report on the feasibility and potential cost.

Maurice added: "I’ve spoken to Cllr Isherwood and the mayor, Councillor Duncan Kerr about my idea.

"I hope something will happen – I have put a lot of effort into the petition so it would be really amazing if it did."

If you wish to sign Maurice's petition, you can do so by visiting https://www.change.org/p/town-council-to-create-an-indoor-skatepark-in-oswestry