Falmouth has been left without a skatepark after all the ramps had to be removed from the facility at Dracaena playing fields following a burst water main.

The water pipe in question was directly under the skate park. Town clerk, Mark Williams, told councillors: “The ramps had to come up, but they only had 12 months’ life left in them. They are being removed from the site and are being scrapped.

“That provides an impetus to the town to move ahead with the site transfer from Cornwall Council, but we won’t have a skatepark there for at least six to 12 months.”

Falmouth Town Council is negotiating the transfer of the freehold of the playing fields at Dracaena and once achieved it will press ahead with plans it has to create enhanced play/recreational facilities on the site. These plans include a new and improved skatepark which has been at the centre of campaign kick-started by a teenager several years ago.

The pressure for the new facility has been maintained via a Facebook page entitled “get a new skatepark in Falmouth” which posted news of the park’s closure and told supporters: “We have been working hard with the council trying to secure the future of the Dracaena skatepark and we will have some news to give you all really soon. 

“In the meantime stay safe when skating around Falmouth and let's get through the darkness that is winter. Keep checking back for updates and get in touch if you would like to help with fundraising in the New Year.”