The Helensburgh Skatepark Redevelopment group (HSPR) say work is due to begin on Tuesday, April 21, and is estimated to last around one week.

Damaged items will be repaired and a new quarter pipe will be added in the north west corner.

The project is the result of months of hard work and fundraising by HSPR members, who vowed to redevelop the skate park after it fell into disrepair.

Patricia Lawson, HSPR secretary, said it has been a ‘long process’ to find a company to complete the work, but thanks to the group’s perseverance and following a second round of Invitations To Tender (ITT) by Argyll and Bute Council, the group received a response.

Ms Lawson added: “The contract has been awarded to Fearless Ramps, which is based in England, and work will start on Tuesday, April 21. The work will include fixing both the existing damaged items, as well as adding a new quarter pipe in the north west corner. Some people may remember that this ramp was destroyed a couple of years ago during winter storms. The work should take approximately a week – weather permitting.” Users of the Helensburgh Skate Park are also invited to say farewell to the old equipment at 2-4pm this Saturday, April 18.

Say Something Saturday – suggested by one of the skateboarders – gives the skaters the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents by bringing along paint to write and draw and express on their feelings on the old equipment. Ms Lawson added: “I’m sure we have some good artistic talent around who can make this last old ramp look totally jazzed up, and it is good to get rid of the old frustrations before we begin to enjoy the new ramps.

“Those of us involved with HSPR are very impressed by the good attitude of our young people during this time.

“Please enjoy watching the work as it is being done, but stay well back and out of the way, remembering that it is a work site and a dangerous place.”