A Norton councillor is hoping to “break the deadlock” over the future of the town’s skatepark.

Cllr Keane Duncan has submitted a motion to Ryedale District Council (RDC) calling for councillors to support Norton Town Council (NTC) to reopen the skatepark and renovate the halfpipe.

It will be discussed at a full council meeting held today (December 2).

If successful, it would see RDC provide a grant of up to £50,000 to NTC, which manages the facility.

Cllr Duncan said: “The skatepark is a huge asset to the community of Norton, Malton and wider Ryedale area.

“It’s vital that a solution is found that allows the skatepark to reopen as soon as possible, and that sees the skatepark retained and renovated.

“I want RDC To help NTC to be able to do that.

“The debate over the halfpipe has been ongoing for far too long now – and it appears there is still a stalemate.

“Meanwhile, the park remains closed altogether while maintenance work to other ramps takes place.

“This has created great concern within the community and generated lots of questions.

“My hope is that RDC can give its backing, moral and financial, to assist NTC in finally finding a way forward.

“It would be great to end the year by finally breaking the deadlock.”

Cllr John Mackenzie, who seconded the motion, said: “Like Keane I have become frustrated at the way that this important issue has dragged on.

“The skatepark is an important asset for the young people of the town, and the halfpipe is seen as an iconic piece of equipment by them.

“We need to get this sorted and I hope that RDC can assist.”

NTC, has reassured residents that there are no plans to close the site in Norton Road. However, concerns have been raised over the safety and maintenance of the halfpipe which is estimated will cost around £60,000 to refurbish.

At its October meeting members had agreed, following receipt of the latest ROSPA Report and advise from the council insurance company, to seek clarity as to replacing the half pipe with a smaller unit in order to be fully insurable and in line with new legislation.

Councillors also agreed to work with representatives from the campaign project group and local skaters to suggest appropriate companies to approach to quote for a new halfpipe. Members also agreed to retain the existing halfpipe at the skatepark while council looks at the possibility and costs related to installing a new halfpipe.

Campaigner Ryan Swain said: “I think it’s great that a proposal is going to be made to RDC.

“If the funding and authorisation from RDC was approved it could be a game changer to the campaign and could get the ball rolling in finally getting the skatepark back open to its original standard and repairing the now world-famous, iconic halfpipe.”