Support is growing for a new skate park in Milford Haven, after a petition in favour of the facility collected more than 400 signatures.

The petition is part of a campaign by a group of Milford youngsters who want better facilities in the town for skaters, bikers, and bladers. A Facebook group, named Milford Haven Skate Park Petition, has also attracted more than 600 members.

The campaign has been organised by Jake Anderson, who said breaking his arm while skating along the docks last year was the catalyst for him and his friends to take action.

“We skate with younger and smaller kids and I wouldn’t want them getting hurt,” said the 19-year-old.

“We have to skate at Hakin skate park, but they don’t let bikes in, they close too early and the park is way too small. There is nowhere else for us to go.”

Jake says the facilities for skaters and bladers in the town are inadequate and there are no designated areas for bikers to use.

He says some youngsters have been forced to travel as far as Newport, Gwent, just to use proper skating facilities.

The group has contacted a host of Pembrokeshire businesses in a bid to secure financial support for the campaign, and has also been in contact with local police.

“As a result of the skaters forming their own group we will now be able to reach them more easily,” said Gwynn Rees, Milford Haven’s acting police inspector.

“We work closely with all communities and groups so that we can steer them towards improving their own locality.”

Inspector Rees said the fact the group had already amassed 600 members on a Facebook group spoke volumes for the support they were receiving.

The group has also contacted Milford Haven Port Authority, and is set to meet with port representatvies next month to discuss the campaign.

The Milford Haven neighbourhood policing team is also said to be keen to talk to the group and a referral has been made to the Community Safety Partnership Team so that expert advice can be offered to the youngsters.