Dreams of installing a ‘must have’ piece of equipment at Ottery Skate Park could become a reality if members can secure funding from the district council.

Trustees hope to secure ‘section 106’ money – a levy paid by developers to build in the town – to pay for a half-pipe.

Once the district council has received payment from developers, it will approach the town council to decide how to spend the money before asking the community to put forward its wish list.

Following a consultation, the most popular projects will be taken forward.

Councillor Elli Pang, a trustee for the skate park, said it has been a ‘pipe dream’ as the piece of equipment is estimated to cost between £14,000 and £24,000.

Cllr Pang said: “We do not have enough money for the half-pipe; we are trying to find enough money and we want to apply for section 106 money.

“It [the skate park] is keeping young people fit and keeping them off the road. The pipe is the must-item to help them with their training. It’s been a pipe dream.”

The trustees have approached East Devon District Council (EDDC) officers and recently organised a trip for youngsters to test out the half-pipe at Exmouth Skate Park.

An EDDC spokeswoman said: “The last time this process was run in Ottery St Mary was in 2014, when it resulted in, among other things, a sports activity wall at Winters Lane.

“Since then there have been some large-scale developments within the parish of Ottery that are soon due to pay contributions.

“At the moment there are insufficient funds available to fund a project. However, once these contributions become due and are paid, then we will have enough to proceed and will be working with the town council to develop additional exciting sports projects.

“Several project organisers from Ottery St Mary have already contacted us in preparation for when we undertake a call for ideas.

“East Devon officers have already attended one of the skate park meetings with the skate park users and the park trustees about the potential skate park idea.”