Skate park near Horsham ‘to be rebuilt’ after arson attack

The wood-based skate park - in Southwater - was set on fire in the early hours of Thursday.

Firefighters spent two hours putting out and damping down the blaze.

But Southwater Parish Council says itnow plans to ‘rejuvenate the area.’

Council deputy clerk Justin Tyler said: “The council had already been planning to refurbish the skate park prior to the fire and was consulting with the many users of the skate park.”

He said some users came from as far as Brighton, Bournemouth and Watford to use the “unique park which is very popular with transition BMXers and Skaters as the ramps suit the more experienced rider and the bigger sweeps, combined with wooden riding surface, provides more flex and a smoother ride than many of the concrete parks aimed at beginner and intermediate level users.”

He added: “The council will look to go out to tender the refurbishment project in coming months with the objective of rejuvenating the area, making it an attraction and asset of the parish and encouraging an active lifestyle.”

He said the council would look to applying for Section 106 developer funds to pay for the project.

He said a working party had been formed but the council was “still looking for enthusiastic individuals who would like to get involved and contribute ideas for future plans for skate-jams, competitions and events, plus social media interaction.”

Anyone interested should email: [email protected]