A former skatepark that was "left to rot" is to be given a new lease of life.
Back in the 80s, the Rathbone skatepark was a hive of activity, bringing people together for "amazing memories". But over the last few years it was left to "fall into disrepair.
Resident Ben Lewis, decided to take things into his own hands and bring the community hub back into use for all to enjoy once again. It wasn't long before Ben's call to arms was answered, and people from across Merseyside are helping work to bring the former derelict site back to life.
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Jason Kay, who has organised a fundraiser to help with future works in rebuilding the broken sections and painting, told the ECHO: "I grew up around the skatepark, we all did. We want to see this park being used like it was in the 70s and 80s.
"I drove past one day, I work in Wavertree technology park, and I saw a guy there cleaning up. I went over and recognised him from biking 10 years ago, it was Ben Lewis. He said he was tidying up, there's nowhere for kids to go.
"He's been cleaning it the last few weeks and I've been to help and people in the community and beyond have been helping. It's been abandoned for 20 years and no-one knows what was happening to it.
"It was derelict. Broken bottles and burnt out things. We had to make sure it was all safe and even the kids have been helping out."
The money raised from the fundraiser will go towards the costs of repairing and restoring the park. Jason added: "It's about bettering the skatepark. Years ago we all used to use it, I used to compete and we've all made life-long friends there.
"It's been a real community effort. Even people who don't live in the area. People who haven't been in 30 years are now coming out to help. It's been amazing.
"It was such a waste, it was just left to rot and we've got to do something with it. Everyone has done an incredible job of cleaning it up, especially Ben.
"It's such an important part of the community. Socially, kids need somewhere they can hang out, instead of being stuck on phones or in the house, it's about getting out in the fresh air. I remember every night we would ride up to the park with our bikes or skateboards and there's people in their 50s coming back.
"People from all over the world, who compete professionally, grew up with the skatepark, it has huge potential for the future, we need to bring it back to its former glory."
Despite the weather, this weekend saw the community come together to enjoy the skate park, and share fond memories of biking and skating at the park "back in the day". Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
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