LEDBURY Town Council has awarded the contract for its new £60,000 skatepark to a town-based firm but still awaits a key decision on financing.

The regional development agency Advantage West Midlands is expected to give its decision on grant aid in three weeks' time.

The grant would cover a third of the cost of the skatepark, which will be sited at the recreation ground.

Mayor Keith Francis said: "Until we hear from Advantage West Midlands we can't go ahead. If they say no, we'll have to think again and explore other avenues of funding."

Coun Francis said Advantage West Midlands had met last week to discuss the issue, but the outcome was not yet known.

The possible funding shortfall and delay comes at a time when a contract for the work has already been awarded to Huna Design of the Lower Road Trading Estate.

Coun Francis said: "It's of benefit to them as a local firm because the skateboard park will be a showcase."

Other funding, to the tune of around £20,000, comes from the £40,000 windfall from KingsOak, the developer currently building the 19-home Masefield Court estate on the former abattoir site, off The Homend.

The town council is also putting money into the pot as part of a planned more general enhancement of facilities for young people and the community.

Coun Francis said: "It's very important to have a range of facilities for young people of all ages. We plan to upgrade the play equipment for younger children on the recreation ground as well."

In addition, the site is to have new, bigger litter bins installed. The old ones will go to the Dog Hill beauty spot, where there are no bins at present.

There will be seven items in total on the skatepark, including quarter pipes, jumps and a grind rail. The facility will be based at the southern end of the recreation ground.