THE campaigner who spearheaded efforts to bring a skate park back to Helensburgh has been publicly thanked by the town's community councillors. 

Jackie Hood's work with the Helensburgh Skatepark Project resulted in the new facility on the waterfront opening for use on Saturday, April 20.

Jackie has been campaigning for better facilities for Helensburgh's skaters, scooter users and BMX riders since 2018, and was there at the skatepark’s opening to cut the ribbon.

At HCC's latest meeting on April 25, convener Peter Brown said: “We want to note our congratulations and thanks to Jackie Hood for the skate park.

“The youngsters seem to be really enjoying it, so we want to say well done to Jackie.”

The skate park has already proved popular as locals of all ages flocked to try out the ramps on the opening day.

The ramps were constructed by Dumbarton’s Unit 23 in Dumbarton who also installed premium Gatorskin surfaces imported from the US which allow for peak speed and performance while also providing grip.

The original seafront skate park was removed when the adjacent Helensburgh Swimming Pool was demolished, with the ramps put into storage, but it was later discovered that they were no longer in a fit state to be re-used.