PLANS for a skateboarding park in New Cross have been given the go ahead despite opposition against the build.

Sophie Beswick, Imogen Slater, Sarah Hews and Jacqui Shimidzu formed Skate Park Action Group (SPAG) in October last year after residents complained about their sons skating in the street.

Eight youngsters were awarded £47,000 towards the skatepark in March from the Youth Opportunities fund, a government grant.

Original designs were for the upper park of Telegraph Hill but a campaign group against the idea forced the plans to move to the lower park.

A second group was then set up to save the lower park, which meant SPAG risked losing their funding if a decision was not made by March next year.

But at a Lewisham Council Mayor and Cabinet meeting the proposals were approved for the lower park and the build is set to be completed by May.

Mrs Beswick of Waller Road, New Cross, said: “A few things have to be done before building commences.

“We have meetings with Lewisham Council and are forming a project committee group.”

SPAG now wants to raise a further £10,000 towards the build.

The 49-year-old, who has two sons, added: “The boys are absolutely thrilled. They have had to sit through so many meetings. It was never a done deal.

“They always new there was a strong possibility it wouldn’t happen.

“It's very good for them to get involved in the whole process and see how much work goes on to achieve something like this.”

Email fundraising ideas to, skateparkactiongroup@hotmail.co.uk