A POPULAR £91,000 skate park in Upper Gornal has been removed after “mindless thugs” set fire to it, leaving it dangerous for other users.

At North Dudley Area Committee meeting, young skate park user Jack Dunn asked councillors why the facility on Tenacre Fields had been suddenly removed without any consultation.

In a letter to committee members, Jack said he felt the park was a safe place to meet with friends and enjoy skating.

However Councillor David Simms promised the park would be brought back - but would be relocated elsewhere in the Dudley North area.

Mr Simms said: “The reason it was removed was that it was badly damaged by fire and was dangerous. We couldn’t inform users because it was a sudden decision on health and safety grounds.”

He added: “The first fire completely destroyed one ramp. We hoped this was teething trouble, but there were three more fires which damaged the frame. We had to remove it for the health and safety of the users.”

The skate park was built on the fields off Tenacre Lane in February last year, following months of campaigning from young people and councillors.

Costing a total of £91K, the park was funded with money from the Big Lottery Fund and capital funding from the North Dudley Committee.

Speaking in support of Jack’s letter, Gornal councillor Anne Millward, said: “It took us a long long time, blood, sweat and tears to get that skatepark.

“It is absolutely criminal what has happened - that a few mindless thugs have ruined it for the majority of the young people of North Dudley who want to skate and enjoy it.

“We are now looking to where it can be relocated in an area where it will be appreciated.”

Where do you think the skate park should be relocated? Let us know leaving your suggestions below.