Teenage 'yobs' blamed as skate park closed until further notice
Council fears somebody would get hurt, 'or worse'.
Selby
Selby Council says it was forced into closing the town's skate park after it was plagued by anti-social behaviour.
The Scott Road facility was declared out-of-bounds during the busy Easter school holiday period amid escalating problems with alleged intimidation, arson and drug-taking.
An increasing number of anti-social incidents over recent weeks are understood to be behind the council's decision, which it says was the only way to prevent serious injury, 'or worse'.
News of the closure was conveyed to district councillors in an email, seen by TheSelebian, from SCD chief executive Janet Waggott.
She told councillors, "I realise that this decision could be controversial and will cause some inconvenience particularly over the bank holiday weekend, however I believe the action to be appropriate and necessary under the circumstances."
A council spokesperson confirmed the move, adding, “The behaviour of a small minority of skate park users is unacceptable and we will be working with [the leisure services provider] Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, North Yorkshire Police and other key partners to put in place plans to ensure the safe opening of the skate park as soon as possible.”
Closure of the skate park, albeit temporary, comes little over five months since the facility was unveiled after a £100,000 investment by the district council.