Plans have been submitted for a replacement skatepark for Helston with a warning that the existing park will not survive another winter.

A planning application for the skatepark at Coronation Park has been submitted to Cornwall Council along with plans for new lighting, a cyclepath, repairs to the lake walls and a new storage shed.

The plans have come from community group the South Kerrier Alliance (SKA) which signed a groundbreaking agreement with Cornwall Council last month to take on Coronation Park on a 99-year lease with the council providing £190,000 towards improvements.

With additional funds generated by SKA there will be a total of £300,000 invested in the park as a result of the project.

One of the main elements is the skatepark which architects acting on behalf of SKA say is in dire need of replacing.

In a design and access statement submitted with the planning application they state: “The skate park is extremely popular and provides one of the main social spaces within Helston for young people of all ages.”

But they say that the skate ramps are of “indeterminate age” and were second hand when they were first installed in 2007.

It states that they are now subject to weekly inspections and monthly full assessments and that £650 was spent in February on repairs. An assessment in March found that another £1,002 of repairs was required and has been commissioned.

The report adds: “This assessment indicated that these actions will only ensure that the skate park remains usable through the summer and confirm that the equipment will not survive another winter. The current equipment must therefore be replaced in the autumn of 2018 if Helston is to retain this facility.”

The document asks why the skatepark is important for Helston and states: “The skate park is an immensely important asset for the town and its young people. Nearly all recent studies of town planning include a call for the inclusion of skate parks with more participative governance, integrating skateboarders into the design and planning of public space.”

Commenting at the time the agreement was signed between SKA and Cornwall Council, Councillor for Porthleven and Helston West, Andrew Wallis, said: “Coronation Park is not only important to the people of Helston, but also the wider community who have long enjoyed it. It’s a beautiful space recognised as a real haven for families. The park is the perfect place to relax, walk, row a boat, skateboard or simply eat ice-cream.

“We’re delighted that this community group has finally secured the powers and investment to run the park. This news comes following a lengthy period of detailed talks and preparations between the council and South Kerrier Alliance. The project is also a strong example of local devolution in practice – which means it’ll be run by the local community for the local community.”