THE future of Redditch Skate Park has finally been secured after a year of problems and legal wrangles over its management, writes Becky Procter.

A service agreement between Redditch Wheels Project, which runs the park, and Redditch Council has now been signed.

The move comes after the Icknield Street Drive park was forced to close several times last year after two assaults which resulted in a need to review security, supervision, admission charges and opening times.

Wheels project founder Steve Rooke said: "The signing of the service level agreement is great news for Redditch Skate Park. This formal agreement guarantees the future of the facility and means we can now offer a clear structure for membership, cost of membership and also staffing and opening times."

He added: "Visitors to the park will be guaranteed a safely monitored environment and there will always be members of staff on hand who are trained in first aid."

Redditch Council borough director Chris Smith said: "This is a smashing facility which has proved very popular with both Redditch people and people who come from surrounding towns especially to use it."

Membership for the skate park, which last year attracted up to 100 visitors a day, costs £4 a day for non-members and £90 a year for members, with no extra daily charge.

Membership can be bought from the new Suspect Skateshop, on Bates Hill in the town centre, which is open from 10am-6pm.

The skate park is open daily from noon until dusk.