CONCRETE skateparks are due to come under the spotlight from councillors looking at the possibility of replacing the skatepark at Barnton.

The skatepark at the Nursery Road Recreation Ground was created 10 years ago, and the rusting framework of the equipment is deteriorating.

Barnton Parish Council is looking to replace the skatepark with a new facility, and councillors agreed that any decisions over the future of the site should take into account the views of young people who use the skatepark.

It was agreed to seek the views of youngsters on what they would like to see at a new skatepark, and parish councillors visited the site last week to speak to young people.

Among those they spoke to was Kevin Pack, 40, from Weaverham, who has been a skateboarder since he was a teenager, and suggested a concrete skatepark for the Barnton site.

As a result of the informal meeting parish councillors are planning to visit skateparks at Warrington and Runcorn in the next few weeks to see examples of concrete layouts.

“The aim of the visit to the skatepark was to seek the views of youngsters who use the area,” said council vice-chairman Cllr Keith Reading.

“The skatepark is going to have to be renewed at some time in the future, and concrete construction seems to be the way forward.”

Kevin came along to meet the councillors after hearing they were due to visit the area.

“I was chuffed they came down, and it is refreshing to see people taking an interest in the skatepark,” he said.

“My favourite skatepark is Ramp 1 at Warrington, and if the one at Barnton was comparable I would go there once or twice a week.

“However I have been there only about three times in the last five years.

“The surface is breaking up and has chips in it, and it is coming to the end of its life. People want more flow to their skatepark, and the movement now is for concrete.”

Councillors are to report back to next month’s parish council meeting on their visit to the Barnton skatepark.