COUNCIL chiefs say they have asked the developer behind the North Star project to include a skate park in its plans.

This week, a petition was launched by Swindon’s skateboarding community looking to save the Oasis skate park, which they fear is under threat.

An application is to be put forward to convert the land surrounding the newly refurbished dome into a huge leisure complex including an indoor ski-slope and 5,000-seat arena.

Initial drawings show a building on top of the existing Oasis skate park, BMX track and cycle speedway, with no obvious replacement shown.

The lack of a skate park has prompted a petition to save the current facility, with almost 800 signatures garnered in a week.

Moirai, the company behind the development, has said the existing drawings do not represent final plans and there is scope for a skate park to remain in some form. And Swindon Borough Council has now moved to reassure concerned users the skate park is safe and will ensure it is part of any final plans.

Councillor Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick), the cabinet member overseeing the development, said: “I fully understand how important the skate park is to the skate boarders and it is to us as well.

“I used to be in charge on children’s services so I spent a lot of time getting to know about the skateboarding scene. And it’s not just the skate park but the BMX track, the cycling speedway and outdoor football.

“There have been several plans some have had the park on and some haven’t but these aren’t even close to final plans on. “I have asked Moirai to insert a paragraph in the application to say that there will be a skate park.”

The opposition has also said they believe the skate park are to be included in the plans but will keep an eye on the progress of the application.

Cllr Jim Robbins (Lab, Mannington and Western) said: “Last week I met with the officers overseeing the North Star development and it was my understanding the plan is to keep the skate park.

“Either way, the Labour party will be paying close attention to the plans to make sure this important asset remains.”

The Adver also understands the outline planning application for the North Star development is set to be submitted by the end of this week.

Earlier this year, the developer held a consultation on the latest plans for the scheme after numerous delays and is now close to being able to submit plans.