AN impassioned plea for help to save Bridport's indoor skatepark was made by its operator this week.

Rob Ridge, who runs the Trick Factory on the St Michael's Trading estate, says it's facing closure to make way for the multi million pound redevelopment the South West Quadrant.

He's already asked the town council for help and now he's widened his call for support.

He says they must safeguard an important amenity for youngsters and stop the development becoming another example of "lustful greed".

In an open latter to "those in power" Mr Ridge says people have failed to realise the value of the skatepark - the only one of its kind on the south coast.

He says: "We run on a not for profit basis an all weather leisure facility that is used by locals and skateboard/bmx enthusiasts who travel from far and wide to use the unique construction.

"It would appear that the south west quadrant falls into the category of a development where sport, leisure, recreation and open space are bottom on a list of priorities as they don't give a direct return on investment in the same way as lots of dwellings would do.

"Like many other towns there has been a relatively high increase in homes in the Bridport area yet employment, vehicle parking and recreational opportunities have not increased to accommodate the increased population, creating a number of social and other problems.

"Our facility has served the youth of our local community who benefit by keeping active and physically fit and socialising with like-minded people in a safe secure indoor environment.

"In recent times, much has been said about a disaffected generation of youth.

Many figures of authority are all too ready to devalue certain elements of society.

"Their statements would hold some credibility if recreation and leisure pursuits were provided and promoted for people. In this country school playing fields, council parks and facilities like ours are covered over for housing.

"And we wonder why as a nation we are so low in the league tables of sporting achievements and so high in the tables of child obesity amongst other shameful statistics.

"We may achieve ten years of occupancy before our rented unit becomes levelled. We are grateful to the landowners and local bodies that have supported the facility and to all those who have given their time and attention. I hope that with the growing awareness of our possible finite residency, those who hold the positions of power are able to disprove the allegations that the southwest quadrant redevelopment is another practice that involves a large dose of lustful greed."