Famous skateboarder Tony Hawk joins plea to stop North Yorkshire councillors from tearing down town’s ‘heritage’ half pipe

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World famous skateboarder Tony Hawk has joined calls to rescue a half pipe in a North Yorkshire park that has been described as part of the area’s “heritage”.

Sunday, March 28, 2021, 6:00 a.m.

“/>Ryan Swain who leads a public and community project and campaign to save the halfpipe and skate park in Malton, North Yorkshire.Ryan Swain who leads a public and community project and campaign to save the halfpipe and skate park in Malton, North Yorkshire.

Radio presenter Ryan Swain is fighting to save what is believed to be the largest and only freely accessible halfpipe in the country, fearing the council might tear it down.

The pipe at the skatepark between Norton and Malton has been enjoyed by Mr Swain and countless others in the area since it opened 20 years ago this year. Some avid skateboarders even traveled from other places in the country to use them.

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It is one of the first and largest full halfpipes in the country and has been used by many professionals over the years for its size and accessibility. However, it has not been re-clad since 2002.

“/> Ryan Swain and Councilor Di Keal, who leads a public and community project and campaign to save the halfpipe and skatepark in Malton.

But now its future looks uncertain with urgent repairs, and the council calls it an “ongoing financial liability”.

Mr Swain, 35, said the facility was part of “heritage” that should be enjoyed for years to come.

“It really is a local icon,” said Mr. Swain, who lives in Norton and spins for York Mix radio station.

“It’s not just about maintaining the halfpipe, the skate park is like a social center and important for the well-being of young people.

“/> Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk sent a video message (pictured) supporting Mr Swain’s campaign to save the halfpipe of a skate park near Malton.

“Skateboarding is a sport in its own right and you don’t have to be in a group of people to do it. This year will also be the first year it has been recognized as a competitive sport in the Olympics and a British athlete for it too one of the many who have used this halfpipe. “

Sky Brown, who at just 12 years old will be the youngest athlete on Team GB to compete in the Tokyo Games this summer, is one of the many who supported the campaign, Swain said.

He also received a video message of support from American professional skateboarder Tony Hawk who has a series of video games on them that support the fight.

In the video, Mr. Hawk said, “I think we need more public skate parks and if the skate parks go down we have to fix them so the council should help you.”

“/> Ryan Swain, who leads a public and community project and campaign to save the halfpipe and skatepark in Malton, North Yorkshire.

A Norton City Council spokeswoman said while there were no plans to close the skate park on a three-year lease that has just been renewed, it will require “continued investment” which is a “heavy burden” on public finances, and described it as an “ongoing liability”.

“Since the management of the skate park was first entrusted to Ryedale District Council in 2013, more than £ 82,000 in public funding has been invested in ongoing maintenance and improvement,” said the spokeswoman.

“While brand new facilities at the current location would be desirable, the short term nature of the lease means that outside financiers should not consider making a significant investment.

“Major work on the redundant halfpipe system, one of the largest in the country, is still being examined. It is not safe to use in its current state.

“Any necessary repairs to the halfpipe would require a very significant new investment and Norton City Council is actively reviewing all such options, including whether an alternative permanent location for the skate park can be found in the future to accommodate such new investment be justified in

long-term – and where the necessary new funds could be obtained from external funding sources. “

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