HOPES are high that a skate park in memory of much-loved Whitehaven teenager Kieran Goulding will be open next summer.

Fundraisers are now only £10,000 away from their £250,000 target following a £10,000 donation from Whitehaven Town Council, agreed at its meeting last week.

Kie Park is planned for land next to Cumbria Sports Academy, Hensingham, and will be a place for people to use skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes.

Stephen McDowell, chairman of the Friends of Kie Park, told councillors - who unanimously agreed the donation -that the park is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors a year.

He added: "We have a number of irons in the fire to reach the last part of our target, and all being well, work will start early next year and will take 22 weeks until it's up and running."

The Friends of Kie Park group, including Kieran’s mother Tracey Nicholson and a number of his friends, have worked tirelessly on the project since 15-year-old Kieran’s tragic death in 2010.

They have raised around £20,000 of the total through a number of well-supported events, including fancy dress skates and sponsored walks.

Further funding has come from groups including Copeland Community Fund (£96,420) and WREN (£75,000), Home Group and Nuclear Management Partners. Once the park is up and running, it will require little upkeep, said Mr McDowell, although £3,500 per year is needed for insurance and litter collection.

Kie Park will be located next to an existing multi-use games area. A draft agreement is in place with landowners, Copeland Council, who will lease the site for 15 years for a £1 annual rent.

Mr McDowell added: "“The project will provide a real boost to youngsters living in Whitehaven and the surrounding area.”