There is still uncertainty over when a long-awaited skatepark will open.

The new facility is being built behind Halfords in Sittingbourne after years of campaigning.

It was due to be ready for use in October last year but the project, being funded by Swale council and the proceeds of community fundraising, has been dogged by delays.

Once finished, the site, accessed via Sittingbourne Retail Park, is due to be managed by community interest company Brogdale CIC.

But at a meeting on January 15, the council's Scrutiny Committee was told the skatepark could not open "in its current state", despite the fact youngsters have already been seen using it.

A council spokesman said: “The car park at the skatepark has now been surfaced and the finishing touches are being done on site.

“Once completed and handed back to us, we will legally hand the site over to Brogdale CIC who will manage it.

“Brogdale may have some additional items they wish to install before officially opening but this does not inhibit the use of the skatepark.

“We are also planning to do some additional work at the site to improve landscaping and the creek frontage.”

Asked when it was anticipated the site will be handed over to Brogdale, the spokesman added: "It’ll be 10 working days after we have reached practical completion which is when the contractors are finished on site and we are happy with it."

No date could be given for when "practical completion" might be reached.

It has taken nearly a decade for the £240,000 skatepark to become a reality.

Clearance work started in March last year and, after a delay, construction began in July on the 570-square metre site.

The park has been designed and is being built by Gravity Skateparks and will include rails, grind banks, a jump box, stair set and a rotate platform ditch bowl, seating, bike racks and landscaping.

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