A NEW scheme could stop commuters parking at a public skatepark while earning a Hampshire council more than £10,000 every year.

The Freespace Skate Park has been described as a valuable space for the teenagers of Chandler’s Ford.

Including a skate bowl, ramps and BMX track, it is a “popular destination” for both adults and young people.

However, the car park is “heavily used” by commuters and local businesses preventing access to the park users.

Funds totalling £35,000 could now be set aside to revamp the car park and stop people abusing the spaces.

It is hoped this would improving access for leisure users, skaters and BMX riders.

Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) plans to extend the car park by creating eight new spaces and converting two of the existing spaces to disabled bays.

It would convert ten of the total 28 spaces to day-time permit parking for local commuters.

According to the authority, this would generate more than £10,000 each year.

The money would then be reinvested to make improvements to the skate park and its ongoing maintenance.

These additional spaces would also be available for leisure use during the evenings and weekends.

EBC also plans parking permits and enforcement to improve access for leisure users.

Commenting on the project councillor for Eastleigh South, Alex Bourne said: “The skatepark is a valuable space for the teenagers of Chandler’s Ford.

“However, it is expensive to run.

“It needs constant upkeep.

“We now have the opportunity to increase spaces and rent them out.

“The scheme means we do not have to use taxpayers money as it is self-funding.”

The funds of £35,000 for the project would come from developers’ contributions.

Parking permits would come into place using a Traffic Regulation Order.

Just last year, the skate park had a minor revamp after receiving £1,800 for ramp repairs.

A large hole caused by wear and tear which made a ramp unsafe has now been fixed.

The money was from Eastleigh Local Area Committee revenue reserves and set aside after its last meeting in November.

The Echo has asked EBC the cost of maintaining the skatepark as well as the cost of parking permits but is awaiting comment.

A decision whether to approve the project will be made during the ELAC meeting on Tuesday.