SKATE park campaigners say their facility could close if they don’t get help with funding.

Supporters say that the Front skate park at Lodmoor, Weymouth is in need of renovation and money put into it for new ramps.

But this is not possible because they say the park is not making enough to cover bills and insurance in the winter and the money saved in the summer is being used up making ends meet.

Kieren Hasler, chairman of the Weymouth Skate Park Association, said the income generated by the park varied greatly.

He said: “We need about £1,500 a month to keep it going. We have to pay the rates, bills, water and the insurance is about £500 a month.

“In summer we take more than our overheads and in winter we don’t make enough.

“What we are trying to do is save money to improve the ramps but it’s taking time.”

He added: “We’re hoping people will support the park that’s here or we will lose it.”

The activity park opened in 2001 as a result of a three-year campaign by parents and young people.

More than £350,000 was raised by different funding bodies including the county council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council but it is now in need of restoration.

A couple of years ago Weymouth College took over the running of the site and has been working with the Skate Park Association charity to keep it open.

The land is leased from the borough council.

Parent Dean Kille got involved in trying to save the park after coming down in the summer with his children. He said: “We want to save the park for the kids. My kids enjoy themselves so much. All the kids here are really enthusiastic about it.”

Dorset County Council sports and physical activity manager Dave Franks said that the charity and the college could look at working more closely with the borough council to develop the park for the future.

He said: “It’s been a well-used and invaluable project. It was developed by the charity but obviously funding has been considerably reduced as new skate parks have been built in the borough.

“A number of groups like the charity, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Weymouth College need to work together to take it forward.”

Marathon fundraiser

TO raise money, the charity is putting on a 12-hour marathon skate starting at 8pm on September 30.

Top scooter riders from Madd Gear’s professional team will be at the event to show their support for the kids.

The event costs a minimum of £20 to enter and skaters can either pay it upfront or be sponsored. All money will be collected on the night.

The person who raises the most money will win a prize.

Parental consent forms are available for under-16s, from the skate park or from the online page on social networking site Facebook.

Under-10s will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

For more information search for the Front Weymouth skate park on Facebook.

• Supporters of the skate park can donate by text.

Donations of up to £10 can be made by texting SKAT00 and either £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.

The text message is free and all of the donation will be passed to Weymouth Skate Park Association.