A PETITION launched last year calling on Thurrock Council to improve the condition of a skate park in the west of the borough is approaching its closing stages.

Purfleet-on-Thames' Spider Park is a concrete skate park on Tank Hill Road which was opened in 2012 but because of continual use by scooter and BMX riders as well as skateboarders, it is no the worse for wear and is in need of some maintenance.

Petition organisers have pointed out that skateboarding is now an Olympic sport – with GB getting a medal at last year's Tokyo Olympics when Sky Brown became Team GB's youngest Olympic medallist ever as she banked skateboarding bronze.

They add: "The skatepark at Spider Park needs improvements. It is used by many local children and families.

"Skateboarding is now an Olympic sport and should be recognised as a way for children and adults to be entertained and a way to keep fit while having fun and learning new skills in a sport."

The call for improvements details the following

• Square footage needs to be larger, ramps and surface needs to be improved.
• The skatepark is being used a lot more by skate boarders rather than scooters and BMXs. This means the surface and ramps are not flowing well, gaps on ramps and coping are not up to spec for skateboards.
• Improved lighting around the skatepark.

The petition will remain live on Thurrock Council's website until 4 February and its supporters are hoping for a late surge of interest.

The petition can be found via this link.