“ABUSE it and you’ll lose it” is the message to Norton skatepark users ahead of a key meeting tomorrow.

The meeting has been called to discuss the future of the skatepark after vandals caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to equipment.

The site’s half-pipe, one of the biggest in the country, has been closed while Norton and Malton town councils, which maintain the skatepark, assess the repairs needed.

Skatepark users are now being asked to attend a meeting with the police and town councillors to consider the future of the site.

At Monday’s meeting of Norton Town Council, members agreed to carry out the necessary repairs to make the equipment safe subject to a satisfactory outcome of the meeting.

Norton mayor Councillor Ray King said: “The kids are privileged to have such a facility, but they need to realise that we are going to have to spend a considerable amount of money on repairs.

“Even the fencing which was put up to stop them using the half-pipe had been damaged.

“Perhaps if we closed if for a short period they might start to realise what they are missing out on.”

However, Councillor Di Keal said it would be shame to close the skatepark with summer coming up.

“The youngsters do need to respect what they have and get their fingers out to do something for themselves to bring in money by applying for grants which are available,” she said.

“We also need to engage with parents to make them realise the value of the skatepark and enlist their help as well.”

Councillor David Lloyd Williams said he was concerned they had been handed a “cash cow” by Ryedale District Council which previously maintained the site.

“The half-pipe is supposed to be one of a kind in the country and others are buried in the ground which does raise a lot of health and safety issues,” he said.

“I am surprised the district council allowed it to be built this way in the first place which allows youngsters to also use it as a climbing frame.”

Councillor Kevin Anderson said: “The youngsters need to realise that if they abuse it they will lose it. I don’t want to see it go but they really need to be told that.”

The meeting will be held tomorrow at 4.30pm at the Norton Town Council office in Commercial Street.