DIY skateboard ramp is a hit

DO-IT-YOURSELF Dad Jim Wells has made a street skate board ramp for his children that s a magnet for skaters from all over Lewes.

The Neville estate ramp, which has to balance on his wife, Claire s car, has youngsters queueing in South Way after school, for a turn before dark.

The Wells s self-help move is a direct challenge to the council to provide a proper skateboard ramp in the town.

It s boring old Lewes doing nothing for the kids said Claire, whose 11 year old son, Jack and friend Max Aben, are keen skateboarders.

So far her neighbours have not complained. The only grouses have come from youngsters when the ramp is tucked away for the night in the Wells s driveway.

I d like it to be a free standing construction , said Claire, casting a concerned eye over her Fiat.

One ambitious skateboarder sailed clear across the top of its roof.

The ramp is quite a familiy affair, with wood donated by Jim s brother Matt, who runs Wells Construction in Barcombe.

Lewes MP Norman Baker said he supported moves to get a proper skateboard ramp in Lewes.

One is underway at the back of Tesco and is well advanced. I hope the district council will bring it forward as soon as possible, as it s well overdue for the town.

RIGHT: Skateboarders queue for a turn.