A long-fought campaign to resurrect an indoor skatepark has become a matter of urgency, as young people desperate to skate find themselves doing so in what has become a hotspot for drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour, campaigners say. 


The indoor Trick Factory, which was based at St Michael’s Trading Estate, Bridport, had no option but to close in 2016 following 17 years of voluntary service to young people.


Since then, young people, their parents and even grandparents have been working hard to try and bring the indoor skatepark back to life at a new location.


Meanwhile, youngsters keen to skate have been using the town’s outdoor skatepark, but the safety of the park has been called into question. 


Youths say they are ‘intimidated’ by older teenagers who do not use the park to skate. 


One boy said: “It is vandalised every single day and we see drugs here every single day. Their presence is threatening.”


Last February, Dorset Police received reports of a man carrying a firearm near to the park, on Plottingham playing fields.

It was reported the man made threats toward a 16-year-old boy.

Following enquiries, a 17-year-old boy from Axminster was arrested at an address in Buckfastleigh, Devon. He was subsequently charged with possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and was sentenced last June to three years in custody.


Arthur Woodgate, chairman of the skate park steering group and Bridport Young Persons Acton Trust (BYAT) - responsible for the successful West Bay play area - says the urgency to create a safe, indoor site enabling equality of access for all ages and abilities, and therefore disabilities, ‘has been increased by incidents that bring the safety of the existing outdoor park into question.’


He said: “That it has become a centre for drug dealing has become obvious, whilst a recent gun crime led to a young person being threatened with a firearm in front of younger users of the park. To cap it all, a section of the park’s surface was recently damaged by fire, presumably deliberately.

"This caused a great deal of anger and frustration, but we go on. We are aware that if we are to attract substantial external funding then we need to evidence strong support from within our own community – that of course includes financial support.” 

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

VANDALISM: Flooring at the outdoor park has been set alight 

Securing funding for a new skatepark has not been easy; campaigners were dealt a blow when Bridport Town Council’s approach to the Lottery was unsuccessful.

This was followed by a rejection of the young people’s bid to make a film for Channel 4.

“It says a lot for our group of young people, parents, grandparents and interested others that what these setbacks have achieved is to make everyone more determined than ever to see this through,” said Mr Woodgate.


The town council, which includes several members of the steering group, says it remains supportive of the campaign. 


A spokesman for the council said: “The town council remains fully committed to working as part of the recently established steering group looking at options for the future development of the skatepark.

"This is a priority project in the Town Plan and the council has earmarked additional funding in its capital programme to support the project. Working with the steering group, it will also be looking at all options to obtain match funding for this project, alongside continuing to manage the existing facility.”


Mr Woodgate says the fight will go on. “We have confidence in the town council’s determination to work with us towards achieving a successful conclusion,” he said.

“We did it with West Bay Play Area, we can do it with an indoor skate park which remains a high priority in the Town Plan. The obvious problem is that the longer it takes the greater the risk that people may become disillusioned.”


A meeting regarding the skate park and new Trick Factory will take place at Bridport Town Hall at 10am on Saturday, March 3. All are welcome to attend.


A local fundraising appeal has now been launched. 


Inspector Neil Wood, of Bridport police, said: “We would always urge members of the local community to contact us with any information relating to drug dealing or drug-related activity.


“We are focussed on working with local residents and our partners to act on any concerns the community may have and we would urge anyone with information to contact police on 101.


“Our local neighbourhood police officers can also be approached with any concerns.”