Popular Glasgow skate park to close after eviction notice

Kingston DIY Skatepark, which is situated under Kingston Bridge in the city’s Tradeston area, was described as a “hub of activity” by community members who hit out at the decision.

In an email screenshot shared to the park’s Instagram account, Transport Scotland said it will be fencing up the area due to “recent high volumes of antisocial behaviour, fire raising, vandalism, graffiti, drug use, etc. in the proximity of all Transport Scotland's major bridges”.

They added: “These steps are being taken to ensure that areas below bridges are clean, tidy, and safe and that there is no risk of damage to the structures.”

A campaign has been set up to save the skate park, with a petition launched on change.org.

Organisers said it “transformed a previously derelict area into a positive space that brings joy to our local community”.

They added: “This decision is a blow to the community. The skatepark has catalysed a transformation within our neighbourhood. Once an eyesore, the space is now a hub of activity. It promotes exercise, creativity, and togetherness among our younger generation, fostering a sense of community and the reduction of anti-social behaviour.

“The benefits of such recreational spaces should not be understated. Studies consistently show that local amenities like skateparks can contribute positively to the mental and physical wellbeing of users, most especially the youth.

“Let's send a strong message to Transport Scotland that Kingston DIY Skatepark is more than just a collection of ramps and rails - it is, indeed, an integral part of our community. We seek your support to save this invaluable space and prevent it from being locked up.”

A spokesperson for Amey, the company responsible for maintaining the south-west trunk road network, said: “Amey is planning a fencing scheme at the Kingston Bridge Complex and Port Eglinton Viaduct areas of the M8 motorway in Glasgow.

“This location has suffered from significant anti-social behaviour issues, specifically around the West Street off and on ramps to the M8. These behaviours include vandalism, unsolicited graffiti, fire-raising, drug use, and the littering of drug paraphernalia (needles) and littering.

“Amey has a duty of care to ensure these areas are kept clean, tidy, and safe for use for all road users, and while our patrols do all they can to monitor these areas they cannot provide an effective overall solution.

“To tackle these problems, we are erecting additional fencing, which includes the area used by the DIY skate park. However, we have been in contact with the skate park organisers to make it clear that we understand that we do not attribute these anti-social behaviours with DIY skate park users.

“Amey have informed DIY Skate Park that we remain open to continued conversations about this matter, while acknowledging that the that the safety and upkeep of these sections of the trunk road remains paramount.”