A BID for Government funding is being made to support a proposed £150,000 wheeled park in Watchet.

The town council is applying to the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for the maximum £75,000 grant allowed.

It passed the first stage of the process and was accepted for the final assessment round, for which town clerk Jo Grellier has been preparing the necessary details.

Ms Grellier said: “The fund is designed to benefit rural areas by improving facilities and services that contribute to the rural economy.

“Somerset has been allocated just over £1 million.”

REPF aims to allocate up to £33 million in 2025 to enhance local infrastructure and essential services in rural communities, supporting business expansion, and job creation.

The Watchet council has been working with Dorset-based skatepark design specialists Maverick and intends for the wheeled park to replace an existing skatepark off South Road.

A Maverick spokesperson said: “Our ideas have been developed with the local community and within a challenging site.

“This open/flowing space features a spine mini, pump track, and split-level street course that follows the topography of the site.

“The design of the park provides something for all wheeled sports users with three connected yet separate spaces.”

Ms Grellier said Hinkley Point C’s community fund had been positive about helping with the need for further money for the wheeled park and she would apply for a £49,000 grant to increase the project funding.

She said if both grant applications were successful there would still be a £26,000 shortfall for the project to bridge.

Town councillors have already allocated £15,000 to support it, which would bring the budget gap down to £11,000.

Ms Grellier said councillors could move money from a budget earmarked for playground equipment, but she suggested first awaiting the outcome of the grant applications.