Community 'absolutely gutted' after skatepark vandalism

A community has been left upset after a skatepark was vandalised - with repairs estimated to cost thousands of pounds.

Melksham Skatepark in Wiltshire opened in 2017 in King George V Park, after campaigners raised £250,000 to refurbish the old skatepark.

On Friday night, it was discovered parts of the skatepark had been vandalised, with large pieces of metal broken off and rubbish strewn across the site.

Hayley Bell, Melksham Town Council chief executive, said it would cost a "significant amount of money" to get the skatepark fixed because it had been built by specialist contractors. She added it was "really disheartening", while one of the original campaigners said he was "absolutely gutted".

As well as the large amount of litter, Bell told BBC Radio Wiltshire that part of the skate park had also been smashed and damaged.

She continued: "We're talking a thousand, £2,000 to get that piece of work done. It's big money and I think frustration comes from everyone involved.

"While assets are being damaged, money is going there rather than providing more assets and more facilities for residents in Melksham. It's frustrating."

Melksham Skatepark, also known as the Fifth Skatepark, is a popular spot for skaters and BMX-ers across Wiltshire and frequently hosts events and activities​ for young people.

James Threlfall, a BBC Introducing presenter who grew up in Melksham, worked with Wiltshire Council and other organisations to refurbish the skate park a decade ago.

He was made an MBE in 2018 for services to young people, after he set up the Wiltshire Skate Series, a local skateboarding competition.

He said it was "gutting" and "a bit astounding" to see the damage left over the weekend.

"This is a great local space, people have raised money to build and we want it to remain for years to come," Threlfall continued. "So can we all just look after it a little bit?"

In a Facebook post, Threlfall added: "Absolutely gutted seeing the state of Melksham skatepark.

"Growing up, the old skatepark here was my favourite place in the world, we all looked after it and would never have treated it like this. Sad to see that's not the case any more."

Both Bell and Threlfall stressed the vast majority of young people treated the skatepark well, with just a "small minority" causing anti-social behaviour.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.