MORE than a thousand people have signed a petition in print and online urging Argyll and Bute Council to include a new skatepark in its £18 million plans for the redevelopment of the town’s waterfront.

The petition was set up by the Helensburgh Skatepark Project, a new initiative aiming to provide better facilities for young people in the town looking for somewhere safe to practise both skateboarding and scootering.

They say the current skatepark facilities, next door to the town’s present swimming pool, are in need of replacement.

Jackie Hood, who set up the petition, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a massive groundswell of support for the idea. We looked at the waterfront design proposals and thought ‘hang on, where’s the skate park?’.

“Once the new pool is built, the site of the current skate park is going to be developed, and I believe we have to get the council to commit to replacing the current facility with a concrete park.”

The Helensburgh Skatepark Project team is to hold an open day at the current skate park on Saturday, June 23 at 3pm, giving members of the public a chance to find out more about what local skateboarders believe is needed to replace the present facility.

Jackie added: "I think it would be a real missed opportunity if the council’s plans for the waterfront didn’t include a purpose-built facility for Helensburgh.”

Paper copies of the petition are available to sign at Dino’s Cafe in West Clyde Street and at the Coffee Club in Colquhoun Square.

You can also add your support online at ipetitions.com/petition/argyll-bute-council-build-a-new-concrete.