THERE are hopes that a row over the future of Norton’s Olympic-sized half-pipe can be resolved at a meeting next week.

Norton Town Council (NTC), which runs the skate park has reassured residents that there are no plans to close the site in Norton Road, however concerns have been raised over the safety and maintenance of the half-pipe which is estimated will cost around £60,000 to refurbish.

#RescueTheRamp, which is being supported by Malton and Norton Area Partnership (MNAP), young skaters, led by Ryan Swain, Malton and Norton Lions and some councillors, is campaigning to restore the half-pipe as part of a community project.

The skate park was opened in 2004 on a site leased from Fitzwilliam Estate with Ryedale Distinct Council (RDC ) responsible for the maintenance and insurance of the site and the police undertaking the weekly safety inspections.

The agreement allocated an annual budget for running the site with contributions from RDC of £5,000 and £550 each from Malton and Norton town councils.

In 2013RDC transferred responsibility for running the site to NTC subject to them taking a lease from the Estate for a minimum of four years, maintaining the equipment in accordance with RoSPA guidance and ensuring appropriate insurance was maintained.

Two months ago Malton Town Council indicated they would be withdrawing financial support for the running of the park.

Now, the issue is set to be discussed at a meeting of Norton Town Council on Monday, May 17.

A spokesperson for NTC said: “Keeping the equipment in a good state of repair has been a recurring problem. Due to the dangerous state of disrepair the half pipe was closed in 2016/17 by RDC and still remains closed.

“Since taking over the park in 2013 NTC has raised some £40,000 in grant funding which has been used to bring the equipment into a good state of repair.”

The spokesperson added that NTC has two issues to resolve: “Does the Council wish to raise about £60k of funding to refurbish the half-pipe for the few skaters skilled enough to use it safely or should funds be raised to replace it with equipment for more general use?

“And secondly, does the Council wish to take on the legal responsibility for reopening an Olympic standard facility in an unsupervised park open to children of all ages using a wide variety of equipment in any state of repair?”

Ryan Swain, who launched the #SaveTheRamp campaign group said they had pledges of support from across the world.

“We have put together a plan which will see us working with local contractors to refurbish the half-pipe at costs that will be far lower than the huge sums that are being quoted by the town council for the work.

“There is a huge wave of support to get the half-pipe back in action and we are calling on NTC to listen to the local community on this issue and agree to the work being carried out as soon as possible.”

Cllr Di Keal, who is supporting the bid to save the ramp said: “The council claim that the half-pipe is too expensive to repair and question its safety, but in reality, with support from local businesses, it can be repaired at a reasonable cost and there is commitment in the community to make this happen.

“Virtually all sports include an element of risk – players do so at their own risk and part of the excitement of some activities is that risk. During its use in Norton there is no evidence of any serious injuries having taken place on the half-pipe.”

Martin Brampton, chairman of Malton and Norton Area Partnership (MNAP) said he was looking for an agreement for a sponsored project.

“The site is an ideal location for a facility that appeals most to teenagers. It is central for both towns, and away from houses, avoiding problems of noise. At present, it is run down. But quite apart from the actual equipment, much can be done to make the site attractive. Obstacles do exist, but the hope is that energy and enthusiasm can overcome them. The initial job of a new team is to explore exactly what is possible.

“Identifying problems and seeking solutions is part of that. Firming up offers of practical help is another part. The aim is to create plans that can be put into practice for the benefit of everyone. The Olympic-size half pipe should be a great asset for the towns.”