A MUCH-loved skate park will not be reinstalled despite 'promises' to residents and users.

The skate park in Wareham was removed last year despite a campaign from residents to keep the popular community facility.

It follows claims of anti-social behaviour from some residents.

At a meeting of Wareham Town Council's amenities committee in April 2021, councillors acknowledged the importance of the skatepark to the local community and committed to retain and improve it, according to residents.

However, two months later council officers decided due to health and safety concerns it was beyond economical repair and the skatepark was removed a few days later.

The authority said a new facility would be in place within 18 months, and earlier this year, a survey asked residents if they wanted a “wheeled park” facility in Wareham and where the best place for it should be.

Last month, members of the amenities committee discussed the results of the survey, which had seen 430 responses, of these 405 were in favour of a wheeled park.

More than 340 people agreed Hauses Field, the original location, was appropriate.

But, despite the overwhelming public support, councillors said they could not support reinstating it at Hauses Field due to its detrimental effect on residents.

Resident Amy Laver said: “We feel strongly that the council should replace what they took away on Hauses Field as they originally agreed. They’re siding with a small group of people and not taking the majority's opinion into account.”

Damian Evans, a parent of two disabled children said: “One of the reasons we moved to Northmoor was the close proximity of the skate and play park to our house. Before the skatepark was removed it gave our two disabled children the opportunity to have some independence and regularly take part in an activity which had a positive impact on their mental health."

Eve Cheesman, 76, a local resident said: “I have lived near the park for 43 years. Until recently, it has been a pleasure watching my grandchildren spend their days at the skatepark enjoying themselves.

“The distress it has caused them, having to watch their well loved skatepark being ripped out, then being told they were getting a new improved skatepark, and now being told they won’t have anything at all, is disgraceful.”

A spokesperson from Wareham Town Council said: "The site had extensive use during lockdown and had significantly deteriorated with many safety and other issues identified. The ramps were secondhand when they were installed, over 10 years ago, and therefore were not economical to repair, although the dirt ramps were left in situ."

They confirmed they wanted to provide a new facility but in a different location at "the earliest opportunity".