A SKATE shop owner has raised concerns about the safety of a popular skatepark.
Harry Palmer, owner of Ten and Fower Skate Shop in Carlisle, said he reported cracks and holes at the Bitts Park skatepark to Cumberland Council in September, but claims no repairs have been made despite being told otherwise.
He visited the site after receiving an email from the council stating that repairs had been completed, but found the damage unchanged.
Sharing a video online, Harry said: "I recently and I know other people have reported issues at the skate park.
"It's wear and tear, previous repairs coming undone.
"You sent me an email back this morning saying the issue that I have reported has been sorted, so I am down at the skate park now, and nothing has changed."
The video showed a seam between two sections of the park, loose stones on ramps, deteriorating repairs, a metal plate, and cracks in the concrete.
Harry said that while experienced skaters might avoid injury, younger users were at greater risk.
He said: "It's a common theme; this park is what 20-25 years old now.
"Some of the ramps will start to sink in, then you have little lips forming.
"It makes it dangerous.
"When you're riding small wheels, they can get stuck in there and cause you to fall off.
"I and others are experienced skaters and can easily navigate the cracks but with the influx of new and younger skaters who aren’t as experienced, I'm getting reports of people getting hurt due to the cracks and holes in the concrete."
He also questioned the practicality of some obstacles introduced during a previous upgrade.
Harry said: "New obstacles were put in a few years ago as part of an upgrade, but they largely don't get used as this riding surface is not ideal for rolling around on small 50mm wheels."
He said he felt a responsibility to speak up for the skateboarding community, adding: "It is my job as the skate shop owner to be the voice of the community and try and raise these issues and get them sorted."
Harry has a Halloween-themed skate jam planned at the site on Sunday, November 1.
Cumberland Council said the skatepark is inspected regularly and that repairs are planned.
A council spokesperson said: "The skate park is checked on a weekly basis and any concerns raised to us are also looked into.
"Some repairs have been arranged and will soon be completed."
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