Ageing and damaged skate park equipment has been removed from Helston this week in preparation for new facilities in the spring.

Fundraising for new ramps has been taking place since June, when a report to Cornwall Council warned that the equipment would “not survive another winter.”

The skate ramps had been in position since 2007 - although they were second hand when installed and were of "indeterminate age."

Thanks to some large grants being adding to community fundraising, however, it means the South Kerrier Alliance (SKA), which took over the lease of Coronation Park and all its facilities back in May, is confident it will be now be able to remove, resurface and install new ramps by this coming February.

Fundraising has been boosted by a £30,000 grant from SITA Cornwall Trust.

David Turnbull, director of SKA, said: “The award from SITA Cornwall Trust means we are almost there with the total funding needed to replace the skate park.

The Helston Downsland Charity got the fundraising started with a donation of £52,000, with the local community also working hard on fundraising activities.

Clare and Dave Baxter, the driving force behind the Revamp the Ramps group, have raised more than £3,000 with a combination of supermarket bag packs, non-uniform days in conjunction with local schools and a Skate Day which ran in August, while Helston Town Council has given £1,500 and the town’s three Rotary clubs have promised £6,000 thanks to match funding from the Rotary District.

David Lemon, a local business owner, including Boo Koos, has pledged sponsorship of a ramp and also donated a personalised number plate, HE11 STN, to be auctioned. His father, Mike Lemon, was instrumental in the establishment of the original skateboard area in Coronation Park, raising funds and helping the construction and installation work.

“We’re also extremely grateful to Chris Strike of RA Design Ltd for the planning and architectural support he provided to the overall Coronation Park project,” added Mr Turnbull.

Funding had already been secured for works to the lake area, paths and children’s play park, which are already well underway.