Our skatepark cleaned up crime – now it’s being closed

A petition against the plans to fence off the skatepark gained about 1,900 signatures in a single day.

Stuart said the support had been “amazing”, adding: “When stuff like this happens, people are more than ready to stand up to it.

“We’ve had comments from parents whose kids have lessons at the skatepark – people across Scotland use the space and they want to save the place.

“And it’s a greater issue than just that – free, outdoor, community spaces like this in Scotland are underfunded and often lack proper thought.”

Amey said the location had suffered from “significant anti-social behaviour issues”.

A spokesperson said: “These behaviours include vandalism, unsolicited graffiti, fire-raising, drug use, and the littering of drug paraphernalia 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.”

Amey made clear that the skate park users were not to blame for the problems, but said the safety and upkeep of the road was paramount.