CATHERINE Fookes for Monmouthshire visited a skate park in Caldicot last week following a launch of a campaign by local residents calling for investment in the site, which has been in use for more than 25 years.

Over time, the skate park has deteriorated, with cracks and damage leaving local residents having to carry our basic repairs themselves to keep it safe and usable.

During the visit, Catherine met with campaign organisers Matthew and Ollie, alongside Town Councillor Rachel Grumbach and a representative from Monmouthshire County Council, to discuss the condition of the skate park and the next steps needed to support the project.

Catherine confirmed she will be supporting the campaign by helping to identify opportunities and by providing a formal letter of support as requested by the campaign group.

“This skate park is clearly well loved, but it’s in urgent need of a full revamp. Residents have ever been filling in cracks themselves just to keep it usable, which simply isn’t right or sustainable.

“It was great to meet Town Cllr Rachel Grumbach and a representative from Monmouthshire County Council who are already looking into making this revamp a reality.

“I’m pleased that Monmouthshire County Council are considering using some of the £1.5 million Pride in Place funding from the UK Government for this project. This is a fund I helped secure, and this type of project is exactly what it was designed for.

“From my end, I’ll do everything I can to help support the campaign and make this happen.”

The Caldicot Skatepark Committee added: “Caldicot Skatepark has been a hub for the extreme sports community for 25 years, creating lifetime friendships and the grit and determination to never give up on something you love.”

You can support the petition here: change.org/caldiskatepark