Listen: Norton Town Council discuss campaign to save skatepark halfpipe and call in safety experts RoSPA

Last night campaigners trying to save the halfpipe feature at the Malton and Norton Skatepark met up via Zoom with Norton Town Council.

Ryan Swain, who is leading the efforts to get the unique feature in the picture refurbished, said new information was shared with councillors who had been worried about the cost and safety issues of the halfpipe.

He told YorkMix he thought that minds were begining to be changed now.

He said he can confirm that there is still three year lease on the land the skatepark is on and now the town council say they have the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) coming to do a health and safety check on the facilities.

“I’m hoping we will get copies of the report. I think that the council need to understand that for young people there are very few facilities for them in the two towns.

“The council should be encouraging the refurbishment of the half pipe as the jewel in its crown.” said Ryan.

“Skateparks are not same as a playground”

He said that there was some confusion about the difference between a skatepark and a playground.

“Promising to replace the skatepark with a play park in Malton does nothing for those kids that need a focus for their energies.

“The skatepark provides valuable exercise and in some cases a route out of poverty. Keeping your skateboard/scooter/BMX in good condition teaches the kids useful skills.

“Giving them a hobby or even a sport provides them with drive and ambition. One role model in particular is Team GB member Sky Brown who is only 12 years old”

He told David Dunning’s YorkMix Radio Late Late Show that he was worried about RoSPA’s involvement in case they raise safety issues that will be used as an excuse to close the park down.

“That’s why” he says, “It’s essential that the report is made available to the public”.