A GROUP of teenagers are on a crusade for change in Ockendon, inspired by the removal of their beloved skate park at Belhus Park.

Skaters, bikers and scooter riders were upset to find the facility they use every night in South Ockendon had disappeared when they turned up one evening.

The skate park owners, Impulse Leisure, say the site had become uninsurable after repeated vandalism. But skaters say there had not been any vandalism there in recent times.

Mike Baden, chief executive of Impulse Leisure, said: “Unfortunately we have had to remove the skate park due to continued vandalism, which was costing significantly to continually repair.

“We had continued to fund maintenance and repair, but in recent years have been systematically removing ramps as they have been damaged.”

Fronted by South Ockendon duo, Billy Fiddler, 14, and Ben Defreitas 13, the skate park users have launched a campaign to improve Ockendon as a whole, starting with the construction of a new skate park.

More than 530 members have joined the “Save Belhus Skatepark” Facebook group and a petition for change in Ockendon has also been set up.

Accompanied by Billy’s mum, Gayle Fiddler, the boys said it was important for them to have somewhere safe, free and local where they can enjoy their hobby.

Billy, who is at Gaynes School in Havering, said: “A skate park hasn’t got to be high-tech, but it means a lot to us. It’s a hobby and not all of us are into football. It just gives us something to do after school.”

Ben, who goes to the Ockendon Academy, said: “I don’t like the way people treat the area. Hopefully we can bring about some change and individuality.”

Mrs Siddler added: “There should be a skate park in South Ockendon. It keeps kids from being outside the shops, which can be quite intimidating.

“There weren’t many ramps or jumps there, but the kids appreciated it.”

Mr Baden said Impulse Leisure would be happy to host a more sturdy facility in the future should someone wish to install it.