A TOP skateboarder has backed a campaign by teenagers to replace a Botley skate park wrecked by arsonists.

The Botley Bowl was closed and filled in after a van was dumped there and set alight in 2009.

Now youngsters are calling for North Hinksey Parish Council to use the £12,000 insurance cash to build another skating facility.

Former English Skateboard Association half-pipe champion Sean Goff, who co-designed the concrete bowl in 1991, supported their calls.

Mr Goff, 46, from Kidlington, came sixth in the bowl competition at the World Masters this year.

He said: “It is really great kids are out there wanting to push for a facility that will keep them healthy and active.

“It was a well-respected and well-liked little spot.

“The place is ideal. It’s at the back of a field, it won’t get in anyone’s way.”

Ryan Megarity, 15, of Sycamore Road, has set up a Facebook group with friends called Campaign for Botley Skatepark.

The group is also planning to launch a petition and hand out flyers.

He said: “Whenever we want to ride our bikes we have to cycle for quite a long time or take a train to get there.”

Friend Brad Wixey, 15, of Stanley Close, said: “There is not a lot to do in Botley.

“We cannot go anywhere without getting told off.

“We just want one so we can keep out of people’s way.”

Darren Blase, a volunteer at North Hinksey Youth Club, said teenagers needed somewhere safe to play as many hung around under the A34 bridge or by the West Way shopping centre.

He said: “Botley is not a massive area. We need something for children over the age of 12.

“We are hoping to show the parish council there is support.”

Mum-of-two Emily Newson, 33, from Sycamore Road, said: “I feel very strongly we need more stuff for teenagers to do.

“There is money in the bank. Let’s use it.”

But the parish council has said there was not enough support for a new facility.

Julia Hammett, chairman of the recreation and amenities committee, said the previous council had sent a questionnaire to every home in the area in February last year. She said there were only about 30 responses in support of a new skate park. She said: “The questionnaire showed there was no overwhelming desire.”

She said she was due to visit local schools to see what their views on the area’s facilities were.

Parish council chairman Neil Clark said: “We will help to build a skate park if the majority of people want it.”

Eric Batts, Vale of White Horse District Council member for North Hinksey and Wytham, said: “There is a large feeling among the community that they need it there.

“I am fully in support of it.”

  • To find out more about the campaign, email botley skatepark@gmail.com