Councillors are optimistic they can find the money to replace corroded ramps at Canvey’s skatepark.

A report by Castle Point Council officers warned it would cost between £150,000 and £500,000 to revamp the park at Waterside Farm.

But Castle Point Council cabinet members insisted they had no intention of closing the site as it was revealed £50,000 of funds had already been found.

The document prepared for councillors warned repairing the ramps would only be a shortterm fix lasting a few years.

It said: “The only long-term solution is to replace the ramps or remove the skateboard park altogether.”

However, at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, councillor for leisure, Tom Skipp said: “There is no intention to close the skatepark and there never has been.

“Therewere some basic design deficiencies in the way these ramps were produced.

“It is not our intention to close the park as it is such a popular facility.

“It is well used and well located, so I would like to say we are looking to various sources to fund repairs.”

Councillor Ray Howard told the meeting he had already met Ray Gooding, county councillor for children and families.

Mr Howard said: “There are no other facilities for youths on Canvey and hundreds of people use the skatepark.

“After a long discussion, Ray Gooding has given us £50,000 out of the youth budget and I was so delighted.

“I was pleased to be in the right place at the right time.”

Mr Howard is a trustee of Veolia North Thames Trust, which helps promote social activities in south Essex.

He hopes to approach the trust with a view to bidding for a grant to obtain further money for the project.

Officers said the council would continue to maintain the skatepark while it sought funding.

Deputy leader Bill Sharp said: “That £500,000, if it needs to be spent, will be found, but we believe we will be able to do things for a lot less.”