2:30pm Friday 10th September 2010
By Katie Bond
A SKATEPARK which was destroyed by vandals after months of community fundraising is set to be given a new lease of life at the weekend.
BBC Wiltshire radio presenter Graham Mack has assembled a team of prominent local people to help return the Buckhurt Field skatepark in Walcot to its former glory.
Graham, 46, will be joined tomorrow by mayor Rex Barnett, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, Chief Supt Paul Howlett of Swindon police, council leader Rod Bluh, Swindon speedway boss Ronnie Russell and Adver editor Dave King.
The skatepark, in Burghley Close, was seriously damaged in June and the council estimated the equipment would cost in the region of £10,000 to repair.
But Graham and his troupe, dubbed the Mack Pack, will descend on the park and spend seven hours repairing the damage, with the costs covered by Swindon Council.
“When I came to Swindon I went around the town to speak to people to find out what the big issues were and the biggest response I had was from people saying there is nothing for the kids to do and that’s why there are problems,” said Graham, who presents the Breakfast Show.
“Then when I read the story in the Adver about the skatepark being wrecked after a community had pulled together, I couldn’t believe it.
“The council said it would cost £10,000 to repair – we have no money but we have a great team of people, it’s going to involve a lot of painting and I am happy to do some welding if needed, and I am sure we will do it.
“Nobody I asked said they wouldn’t help out, the response has been great. We are going to get down there and fix this skate park so the kids have somewhere to go.”
As well as local “celebrities”, Graham is hoping as many members of the local community will join in and offer their skills.
“We want everyone to help out, it’s for the kids after all. I’ve never done anything like this before but hopefully it will lead to something bigger – if people need something fixing they should be able to come to us.
“We are the local radio station and we can help the local community. National radio can’t do it, commercial radio can’t do it, but we can.”
The skatepark opened in December 2005 after the local community group raised £60,000.
Anyone who wants to help out should arrive at the skate park for 10am tomorrow.
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