BURY Council has come under fire for wanting to remove Ramsbottom Skate Park – while spending thousands refurbishing other play areas.

The once popular site has suffered from vandalism and fallen into disrepair since being closed nearly two years ago.

Council officials announced they are planning to dismantle and remove the park in Porritt Way, despite spending thousands of pounds to upgrade play areas across the borough.

Councillor Ian Bevan is now calling on council leaders to rethink their decision and consult with residents.

Cllr Bevan said in a statement: “It is with regret that I have heard from Bury Council officers that they propose to dismantle and remove Ramsbottom Skate Park, despite the fact that the council have allocated several hundred thousand pounds of Capital and section 106 monies – money that developers are obligated to pay to the community they are building in – for upgrades to play areas across the borough.

“The skate park has been suffering from vandalism and wear and tear and has been closed for nearly two years now, but the council say they have insufficient funds to refurbish and re-open it and there are no other funding avenues available to them.

“I have long called for upgraded facilities for local skateboarders and BMXers and I know that members of Ramsbottom Young People’s Project met with Bury Council last summer to discuss Ramsbottom Skate Park and whether they could support it being regenerated. Other campaign groups also exist on social media.

“While the existing facility is small, situated behind Ramsbottom Pool and Fitness Centre, it is in a good location, with excellent parking and a children’s play park right next to it. It is a safe area for local children to use.

“However, despite discussions with council officers, they are not prepared to change their decision.

“As a result, I would call on the leaders of Bury Council to consult with residents, reverse this decision and look again at all available funding avenues and options to develop the site for the benefit of local children.”

Cllr Paddy Heneghan, the council's spokesman for children’s and leisure services, said: “The difficult decision has been made to close the skate park in Ramsbottom.

“It’s current condition means the costs of refurbishment were simply too great to make it viable.”

Bury Council intend to spend £50,000 in the next year on refurbishing play areas in Ramsbottom: £15,000 on Nuttall Park; £25,000 at Peel Brow; and £10,000 at Whalley Road in Shuttleworth.