A drive was sparked to redevelop the facilities following complaints from local about youngsters skateboarding in the newly-refurbished Colquhoun Square.

However, the youngsters said there has been nowhere to skate due to damage to the existing park on the pier head. As a result, the Helensburgh Skate Park Redevelopment group was created, consisting of adults and youngsters with a passion for skating and the community with the aim of providing safe facilities for skaters to use.

The group’s aims were heard at a recent Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee meeting where councillors decided a report would be compiled for the September meeting outlining what facilities people want for their skate park and the financial implications and possibilities.

Last week, members of Argyll and Bute Council met members of HSPR group as well as Chick Mailey, owner of Unit 23 Skate Park in Dumbarton, representatives of the Helensburgh Lions Club, and community police officers.

Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Ellen Morton said it was a ‘very positive meeting’. The delegates discussed a short-term solution to repair current equipment, as well as a larger-scale long-term solution – possibly as part of the pier head regeneration master plan.

Cllr Morton said: “We agreed that if we look at fixing the current equipment the young people will aim to keep off the newly renovated Colquhoun Square.

“I tried to explain that older people are afraid of being knocked over and suffering a breakage, but they are not against the skaters.” The project is now being costed by a private firm and funding avenues will be examine once a price target is known.

Patricia Lawson, of Helensburgh Skate Park Redevelopment (HSPR) said the immediate aim is to raise funds and repair the existing ramps, add the third missing ramp, and ‘hopefully’ a rail.

She added: “We also need to prevent flooding or these things will be ruined again very quickly. This is a temporary solution. The plans to redevelop the pier with a new swimming pool, also includes a new skate park.” Ms Lawson said the group will continue to raise funds for the longer term vision but they also hope to work in partnership with the council.

She said: “Skateboarding offers these youngsters the chance to express themselves in doing things in new ways with challenging new moves, and, an incredible level of fitness and control is required. They interact well with each other and older and younger ones take turns without problems.” Any skaters who are not aware of the group are invited to attend a meeting at the skate park on Wednesday, September 10 at 4.30pm, where they will have a chance to give their suggestions.

Donations to help the skate park project can also be given in to MacGillivray’s Gift Shop, or VIP Nail Salon, where petitions of support for the project can also be signed.