A LAUNCH date has been set for the filming of a project to build Otley's skate park - which will be the subject of prime time television.

The cameras of Yorkshire Television's Action Time programme will roll at Wharfemeadows Park from February 6, when presenter Gaynor Barnes will show viewers the derelict site and its gradual transformation.

The news is a boost for members of Space to Grow who have been working on plans for the former tennis courts during the past year.

Camera crews will feature the project four times before unveiling the finished park during the evening Action Time slot on Friday, March 26.

Now Space to Grow has drawn up a 'wish list' of materials they hope will be donated by the community, and the help it needs to get the ball rolling in time for the start of work in February.

They are:

l Building material Terram 700.

l 1,347 metres of Geo textile filter membrane or similar.

l 197 tonnes of Type One stone.

l 30 tonnes of dust stone blinding.

l 196 tonnes of bitumen-macadam based course.

l 99 tonnes of bitumen-macadam wearing course.

l Kerbing edges for the whole park.

l Paint and brushes for the park shelter.

Julia Johnson, of Space to Grow, said: "All this needs to be provided and laid, we need people to put it down, not to just dump it."

Action Time will follow the progress of work on the site, which will reclaim the neglected tennis courts for in-line skaters and cyclists of all abilities, in its evening slots throughout March.

Youngsters have been working with the Space to Grow committee to draw up their own plans and pick out the ramps and stunt pipes they consider the best equipment for the park.

They have also taken on fundraising events to help buy the equipment and are hoping as many people in the town can boost their efforts by providing the materials which will form the basis of the park.

Anyone who can help out - and play a starring role in the effort - should contact Julia on (01943) 466713.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.