Heartbreak as plan for Ben Wragge skatepark and recreation park in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, is shelved

The mother of a teenager killed in a tragic accident has spoken of her heartbreak as plans for a skatepark and recreation ground in his memory have fallen through.

Claire Wragge said she was ‘devastated’ to announce that the longed-for project, which included the skatepark, football pitches and a play area, in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, has been shelved.

Son Ben, a keen skateboarder, had been with friends in May 2016 when he was accidentally shot in the neck with an airgun. He died the same day.

The Thurston community immediately began fund-raising for a park in memory of the popular 13-year-old and were delighted when a landowner donated 33 acres of land for a new recreation ground, in July 2022.

However, Mrs Wragge says talks over the use of the land have since stalled, meaning the Ben Wragge Skatepark Charity, set up to oversee the project, can no longer pursue its dream.

She said: “The charity is sad to announce that the 33 acre project has been shelved.

“The land was offered as a gift to the charity if it could gain support from stakeholders to develop it for recreation for the rapidly growing Thurston community.

“Despite meetings over the last two years with local MP, district and parish councillors, and other potential stakeholders, we have been unable to obtain financial support to enable us to progress our vision for the site.

“The football club withdrew from discussions in 2023 and as a small local charity we have been unable to find a way to progress. Sadly this means this opportunity is lost to the village. I am devastated.”

The Ben Wragge Skatepark Charity had originally begun its quest to build the skatepark in 2017. Fund-raising events have been held over the years with around £27,000 raised towards the cause.

After the land was donated two years ago, two public consultations were held to progress plans.

Early plans were drawn up for the area, on the western side of the village, including a skatepark, BMX track, adventure playground, multi-use games area, allotments, dog walking area, open space woodland and football pitches.

Mrs Wragge said: “We have been trying for eight years to find land to build a skatepark in the village.

“It has now also been confirmed that another potential site on the new Barratt David Wilson Homes site adjacent to the Rugby Club will not be available, mentioned in their section 106 planning agreement.

“I am gutted. It seems to us that planners do not perceive recreational space and facilities to be important for a growing community.

“Further calls for land for housing development in the village will continue to increase the population without regard to this basic need.”

However, she added: “Thanks to the community, we have raised in the region of £27,000 for the park in memory of Ben. We will continue to try for the youngsters in the village.”

Thurston Parish Council and Thurston Football Club were approached for comment.