More than 500 people have signed a petition calling for Welshpool Skatepark to remain open amid plans for it to shut.

The petition was set up yesterday in response to plans to close the park, after town mayor Steve Kaye confirmed earlier this week that the park is to close temporarily because of a combination of health and safety concerns and the coronavirus pandemic.

The reopening date has not been confirmed, but the Mayor says it is not a permanent move.

Set up on the Change.org website on Wednesday, the petition aims to ensure the park is repaired and reopened rather than permanently closed, and has so far been signed by 510 people.

The petition reads: "Although the skatepark is indeed in need of care and repair, the ideal situation would be to repair and resurface the skatepark instead of demolishing it, or putting plans into place to replace the skatepark with another facility.

"The metal-framed ramps allow for ease of repair and the wood can be recycled and put into other good use instead of being demolished.

"If the skatepark is to be closed down, there would not be another opportunity for the young community who enjoy these facilities surrounding Welshpool. They would need travel to Newtown or Shrewsbury. The safety of the individuals who uses these facilities is of main concern, but simply removing them rather than making it safer seems like a step backwards in the community."

The petition can be found here.