A minor outbreak of vandalism at Ottery St Mary’s newly-reopened skatepark has been described as ‘disheartening’ – but it doesn't mean the wheels have come off the project.

The skatepark was reopened by Ottery Town Council last week (February 18) after being closed since last summer. But over the weekend, broken glass and graffiti appeared at the site.

The council said the incident is disappointing, but it is already working on measures to stop the skatepark attracting anti-social behaviour. Key issues include poor access to the site, restricted opening hours, a lack of lighting and CCTV, and the fact that it is screened by bushes and trees.

Deputy mayor, Cllr Stewart Lucas, said the skatepark has been ‘under-used and under-valued’ for some time, and this has made it a target not for skaters but for a small minority of troublemakers.

He said: “It was very unfortunate that we had this issue with the glass being smashed up there, which prevents people from using the ramps.

“But we’re trying to focus on the positives.  We now have someone to look after it on a regular basis, doing checks, making any repairs and attending to maintenance.

“We’re working with Devon County Council to discuss various realistic options for access - one of the problems we’ve had historically is that access has only been available outside school hours, which means the only time it really gets used off-season is during the half term holidays, and that creates a situation for people using it inappropriately.

“If we can get it so that the skatepark is open all day and used as intended, that will massively help reduce the likelihood of this kind of thing happening. We will also be looking at the lighting and security side.

“We can then work on getting young people who’re invested with the skatepark working with us, and maybe a few months down the line being able to set up a group that’s full of really enthusiastic and passionate skaters who are willing to get hands-on with us with running the skatepark – to try and set up some events, maybe get some of the professional skaters or people who set up training days, sporting events, make the skatepark a living breathing thing again.

“It needs to be used on a weekly basis and needs to have a good reason for people to get involved, and people need to feel safe up there.”