PRUDHOE Town Council have signed a new long-term lease to secure the future of the town's skatepark.

The town council unveiled plans to spend more than £100,000 to modernise Highfield Skatepark in January.

However, there was a need to secure an extension to the existing lease with landowner Northumberland Estates, in order to apply for grants and ensure a good deal for the tax payer.

At last Wednesday's virtual meeting of Prudhoe Town Council, councillors were told the new lease had been signed, meaning plans to improve the park can now move forward.

Speaking at the meeting, the town's mayor, Coun. Tracy Gilmore, said the work would start once the council could meet properly again.

She said: "The next step is to seek a design and build contractor.

"It is preferable to wait until a more conductive time for high value decision making."

However, a consultation with youngsters over the new park's equipment has been put on hold due to coronavirus.

Despite this, the council was boosted by the news that older skaters had also been in touch to have their say on the park's future.

The council's clerk, Sarah Eden, added: "It's really really good that we have some older riders who want to get involved."