The skate ramp in Llandrindod Wells has re-opened six months after it was fenced off due to health and safety concerns.

With funding from the Town Council and help from volunteers and people in the local community, the ramp on Princess Avenue was officially relaunched on Sunday, October 20.

In April, Llandrindod Wells Town Council made the decision to close the skate ramp.

“The ramp had to be fenced off for much of the year due to safety concerns, making it inaccessible as a recreational activity for young people and adults alike,” the Council said.

County Councillor Jon Williams said previous work to the ramp had left it like a “cheese grater” after he met with young skateboarders who raised concerns about the condition of the ramp.

County Times:

The new work was carried out by volunteer crafts people and members of Llandrindod Wells Town Council; after it agreed a budget of £6,000 to refurbish it. Boys & Boden and Masco Tool Hire also supported the work.

Volunteers Tom Currie and Elwyn Harries cut the ribbon for the skate ramp on Sunday. It is now open, and a launch event will be held at the site in early spring.

County Times:

Volunteer co-ordinator and local businessman Tom said: “It is great that we have the support from the Town Council to refurbish the ramp, but what Llandrindod really needs is a whole park area for skateboarders, scooter users and BMX-ing alike.”

Local resident Ruben Horwood, age 10, agrees. “I have to travel all the way to Hereford to use a quality skatepark and it would be really good if we could have one in our town,” he said.

There have been numerous attempts in Llandrindod Wells’ recent history, but a small group of local residents, parents and business owners are coming together again to try and make this happen, with the support of the Town Council which is currently looking for a suitable piece of land. They have formed a group called ‘Llandrindod’s Ready to Roll’.

“It’s not just about skateboarding” said group administrator Cecilia Harman. “Transport links are not renowned in Mid Wales and many teenagers I have spoken to say they are not allowed scooters or bikes on buses anyway.

“Having a skatepark for all wheel sports in Llandrindod Wells makes sense because of its central location. It would become a local attraction and be great for local businesses such as cafes and shops with increased visitors to the town”.

Llandrindod’s Ready to Roll volunteer group encourages anyone interested in the skatepark project to get involved by searching the group name on Facebook and supporting the upcoming fundraising activities that will take place between now and the launch event next spring.