A REVAMP of an “out-dated” skatepark could be more than just a pipe dream after youngsters lobbied town leaders.

Repairs and ultimately a new skatepark are wanted to replace the existing Garth Park skatepark that is more than 16 years old.

To get the wheels rolling on the scheme, Pc Vicky Lees arranged a meeting for Bicester Town Councillors to speak to skaters about the cause.

A group of four young skateboarding fans then went on to attend the town’s environment committee meeting to put forward their concerns and priorities.

At the meeting was Glory Farm resident Cameron Murray, 18, who has been using the skatepark for five years.

He said: “The skatepark at the moment is basically falling to pieces and you can tell it is getting worse. There are cracks in the ground, holes in the ramps and it will get to the point where it will be unsafe to ride.

“We are trying for a whole new skatepark but of course we know that will take time and we are looking at fundraising.

“It is a big part of our lives. We don’t want to see it close down.”

The council agreed something needed to be done at the skatepark and agreed to look into the possibility of an upgrade.

The skaters, aged between 10 and 25, plan to continue working with the council and have also set up a Facebook page Change Bicester Skatepark – with more than 200 likes – to rally support.

PC Lees said: “This came about back in November or December time when we were getting quite a few complaints from businesses in the town centre about skate boarders congregating and getting in the way. There is this misconception that skaters are all hooded youths and some people found them intimidating.

“When I went down I actually spoke to them and they said the skatepark closed at 5pm and they didn’t want to go home. I told them the skateboarding by businesses had to stop and from then our complaints faded.”

The police officer continued to work with the skaters, both meeting with Bicester Town Council regarding issues with the site, as well as talking with the skaters to get the park cleared up.

She said: “The skatepark is out-dated and there are lots of repairs that need desperately need doing.

“There are plans for a new cafe and play area, why not the skatepark?

“It is a prominent part of the park and the lads have been keeping it clean and are desperate to do all they can.

“They are not expecting to just get money given to them, they are looking at ways to raise money with ideas like skate boarding competitions, sponsored skates and cake sales.”