TEENAGE skaters and BMX cyclists in Ringwood are campaigning to replace “hazardous” skate ramps at their park.

A group of teenagers gave a presentation to members of Ringwood Town Council to replace the rusty and split metal ramps with new equipment and concrete ramps.

Installed around 14 years ago, the existing site at Carvers Field has been condemned by its users as noisy and potentially dangerous.

The presentation was well received by the town council’s recreation committee, which agreed to pass it on to the finance committee to assess the costs.

It is believed that it would cost about £180,000 to revamp the park.

Members called on the youngsters to undertake their own fundraising for the project.

Ringwood mum Rae Frederick, heading up the campaign, said: “We are relieved that the council has taken this seriously as some of our youth have to travel to Potterne Park in Verwood where they have a fantastic concrete skate park.

“This is not possible for everyone to do, and we have a skate park which needs investment. It is well known to all.

“However, its condition is only known to those that have tried to use it.

“Here we have the youth petitioning the town council to provide an up-to-date skate park that they can use in their own town.

“Let’s all work together to show our support for the youth in Ringwood.”

Mrs Frederick said skate park users have approached the ‘Student Voice’ in Ringwood School, asking to be involved in its next fundraising day.

She said the school was delighted to support the students in their innovative fundraising activities, which will support ‘The Place’ – a project the school has planned at Carvers Field.

Recreation, leisure and open spaces committee chairman Brian Terry said: “There was a general feeling of approval. There is definitely value in upgrading this facility, but it will depend on what money is available.

“We have asked the young people to see what they can do to raise money towards it.”

Visit the Facebook page Campaign 4 Carvers Skate Park for more information.

The proposal was set to be discussed at the council’s finance committee meeting yesterday.