PLANS for a £375,000 national competitions standard skate-park have been drawn up for an empty industrial unit in Sandford near Wareham.

Leaders of the recently-formed Wareham and District Development Trust unveiled the proposals at a public meeting held in Wareham town hall.

The charitable trust is currently in negotiations with an unnamed Purbeck company interested in creating an indoor facility in Sandford Lane.

A change-of-use planning application for the unit is due to be considered by Purbeck district council on June 26.

Kevin Randall, trust chairman, told the meeting: "The skatepark would be run by a private company - during negotiations we've emphasised that costs must be kept to a minimum."

Skatepark fees are expected to be around £2 per half day and £3.50 for a full day. Under the same roof would be a youth caf, basic skills training centre and moped hire scheme run by the trust in partnership with Dorset Community Action.

In the meantime Wareham town council is also continuing to pursue calls for a skatepark for local youngsters.

Mr Randall said: "The town clerk is still in negotiations with Purbeck School and Dorset County Council - so hopefully one of us will be able to produce a facility."