Hundreds sign petition to revamp Littlemoor skatepark in Weymouth
Campaigners hope giving young people somewhere to go will drive down anti-social behaviour
Hundreds of people have signed a petition to revamp Littlemoor's metal skatepark with more suitable material.
The petition will be submitted to Weymouth Town Council with the support of three out of four Littlemoor councillors at the end of the month.
The cost of the refit is anticipated to be around £100,000 although no formal assessments have been made.
Councillor Louie O'Leary told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"Once the Marsh Skate Park is built, and it's already been agreed the Radipole metal skate park will be replaced, Littlemoor will be the only place in Weymouth with a skate park that's not fit for purpose because it's still metal. It's too hot in the summer, and it's slippery in the winter."
The hope is that it will create a space for young people in the area to take ownership of, to help tackle high levels of anti-social behaviour.
Cllr O'Leary added:
"The thing about the skate park on Littlemoor is that it's away from significant housing. It's used at the minute and it is a magnet for trouble already, but the problem is, the reason it's that, is because it's not properly cared for and it's not properly used.
"You let young people take ownership of these things then they become protective and they look after them.
"Boredom is used as a reason for trouble on the estate, and I do take that into account to a certain extent. I don't think there's any excuse for certain types of behaviour, but it will help deal with the problem because it will give them something to do, something to focus on."
Anyone who wants to sign the petition can get in touch with Louie O'Leary.