Supporters of a new skatepark for Aireville Park, Skipton, have launched a £100,000 appeal.

The existing skatepark was closed last month following a safety inspection and is unlikely to reopen, although there are plans to set up a temporary one.

Young riders behind the Save Skipton Skatepark Campaign (SSSC) already have the support of Craven District Council, Craven Youth Council and Friends of Aireville Park.

They have been given £25,000 from the council towards their goal and are planning a number of fundraising activities over the coming months.

And to help them on their way, the council’s chief executive, Paul Shevlin, is to run this year’s Manchester 10k race for the appeal.

They have also secured £500 from Craven Dragons Den and will be applying for funding from Sport England.

Jay Harrison, chairman of Craven Youth Council, said skaters had been going to other places including car parks to practise.

“People were complaining and community support officers were telling us to go somewhere else, but the skatepark is unsafe and we can’t go anywhere without getting into trouble, so where do we go?” he said.

The riders have been working with the council for more than a year and have come up with designs for a new skatepark, which is expected to cost between £50,000 and £100,000.

The new designs are more modern and with better equipment, more weather resistant and likely to last longer than the current skatepark.

But which skatepark is ultimately chosen will depend on how much money is raised.

“We hope we will raise the money as soon as possible so we can get a new skatepark in the near future and it will last much longer than the current one,” said Jordan Clarke, for Craven Youth Council.

“We also hope the project will be supported by all, as it will benefit the whole community – lower anti-social behaviour and improve the health and wellbeing of people around Craven.”

Mr Shevlin, a regular competitor in the Manchester 10k, which this year is next Sunday, May 18, said it was fantastic to see so much effort being put into the fundraising. “The skatepark is a valued facility for young people in Craven and clearly well used,” he said.

“It is important we try to get a new one in place as soon as possible, and I would like to show my personal support for the cause by running the 10k and making the campaign the benefactor.”

A fundraising event wil also take place at Sandylands Sports Centre next Sunday as part of the Festival of Culture and Sport and, on Saturday, May 24, supporters will run the café at Skipton Town Hall.

Meanwhile, the SSSC is asking individuals, businesses and organisations to show their support by contacting the council to say how important they believe a new skatepark is.

Letters, which need to be sent by May 23, should be sent to Policy Development Officer, Craven District Council 1 Belle Vue Square, Broughton Road, Skipton BD23 1FJ, or email feedback@cravendc.gov.uk.

Donations can be made at Craven Pool and Fitness Centre or at the council offices.