Canvey could lose its skatepark after Castle Point Council says it faces up to £500,000 in repair bills.

The Waterside Farm park has fallen into disrepair after a design fault meant the ramps and structures started to corrode.

Council officers believe the only long-term solution is to replace the ramps, but said it could cost between £150,000 and £500,000.

Councillors Neville and Grace Watson called for it to be saved, but a report by Castle Point Council says the work would be “too expensive”.

The council was due to discuss the issue at a cabinet meeting last night.

In a report which will be shown to councillors, officers said: “Repair work would be too complex or expensive and would not be guaranteed for more than a couple of years.

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

Repairs were carried out in 2012, costing £19,000, but failed to prevent the corrosion.

The park is visited regularly by youngsters, who also use a neighbouring cafe, run by the Canvey Youth Project.

Project manager Alex Dobinson said: “It is an extremely important facility for young people, not just on Canvey, but across Castle Point and further afield.

“We get at least 15 people throughout the winter who come to the cafe each day and use the skatepark.

“This is a free facility if you have no money and there is nowhere else to go.

“It would be a tragedy if they didn’t refurbish it.

“As well as skateboards, you also get bikes and scooters, with children as young as six-yearsold using it.”

BMX rider Dan Skarott, 18, travels to the skatepark four times a week from his home in Southend.

He said: “Coming here gives you a chance to relax and have fun with your mates.

“There is nowhere else like this nearby, so I am 100 per cent behind keeping it going.”

The council said it will carry on maintaining the park, but will try to find extra cash to repair it.

The park will be maintained using its existing maintenance budget while officers try to secure external funding.

But the council warned it may be unable to fund the project itself as it seeks to cut costs.