A MEMBER of Conwy County Borough Council has set up an online fundraiser page in an attempt to bring about improvements to the skatepark in Llandudno Junction. 

Cllr Dave Jones, who represents the Glyn y Marl ward, said the skatepark, which is based near the village’s Lidl supermarket, needs to be “overhauled”.

He has created a donations page on the website “JustGiving”, with an initial target of £5,000 having been set.

Cllr Jones said: “It’s important to me because it’s my town. I just think the facilities for children and young people in the west of Conwy County are dismal, really.

“There seems to be a lack of funds coming through for things like this, so I just felt like taking a step forward and doing some fundraising. Hopefully, it will push people into action.

“I’d like to see it overhauled, really: for everything there to be improved and made safe, and for some additional facilities (to be added): ramps, activities for kids to use their scooters and skateboards on.”

Believing the skatepark to be no longer fit for purpose, Cllr Jones has also urged both Conwy Town Council and Conwy County Borough Council to assist him in improving the facility.

A Conwy County Borough Council spokesperson said: "Our Playground Inspector will be discussing our plans and ideas for the skate park when he meets with Cllr Jones later this week.

"We are currently in the process of arranging a specialist repair to the ramp surface which had been vandalised."

“Youth Shedz”, an award-winning initiative that provides a safe place for young people to explore who they are, is also looking to enhance the skatepark by setting up a base there.

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Cllr Jones added: “£5,000 is an initial target. I’ve looked into other skate parks in the area, like Penmaenmawr and Colwyn Bay, and I’d like to see Junction have something similar to those facilities.

“In some respects, you’re looking at something in the region of £40,000.

“On top of that, I’ve been looking at the different grants that have been going around. This isn’t part of my council work, it’s just me doing some fundraising to try to change the situation.

“I’m also working alongside Youth Shedz, because they visit Junction once a week.

“They’re putting a request in to Planning (department at Conwy County Borough Council) to allow them to bring a temporary trailer, to be situated at the side of the skate park, as well.

“I’ve written a letter of support for that.”

To make a donation, go to: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cllr-dav-jones.