Future of Malton and Norton skatepark hangs in the balance

Norton Town Council have reportedly halted the next stage of renovations, despite volunteers working on the ramp back in June.

Author: Benjamin FearnPublished 26th Jul 2021

A petition has been set up to help save the regeneration of the Malton and Norton skatepark, following uncertainty about the plans going ahead.

Work had already begun back in June on stripping back the ramp as part of the next stage of refurbishment.

Campaigner Ryan Swain said: "This whole project reunited not just the community, but lots of different generations to come together and make a positive difference.

"The ramp had been left neglected for years, and we came along wanting to fix it and make it as good as new. The Council have voted against these plans, even though on the evening of the vote we had a huge and major sponsor lined up to finish the project (£15,000).

"That money was going to completely relay and redevelop the rest of the halfpipe, where there would've been a grand opening for the public featuring professional skaters. We were going to reunite the whole community with this project.

"The Town Council meeting was a disgrace, and the way it was conducted was absolutely abysmal. Every time somebody spoke up passionately or had a fact, it was made quite clear that the meeting could be shut down.

"I've set up a new petition to urge Norton Town Council to reconsider their vote and their options, because they've made a grave mistake.

"People are outraged. This is a project for young people and old people. If they (the Council) think that I'm going to back down from this then they're truly mistaken.

"We're going to make sure that this works".

We've contacted Norton Town Council for a statement.

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