The following is a press release submitted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

THE Vale of Glamorgan Council has introduced a new lighting system to Bryn y Don Skatepark in Dinas Powys meaning users can enjoy the facility for longer.

Motion sensing cameras are being installed, which turn the lights on when someone enters the area after dark.

The lights then switch off automatically at 9pm.

This allows skaters to enjoy the park at night when it would otherwise be unsafe to use and also ensures the lights are not on when it is unoccupied.

In the summer months, when it is light later into the evening, the system is not needed.

But it should offer users up to five hours more time skating time come the winter.

The system is being implemented after consultation with the community indicated support for this move.

Cllr Kathryn McCaffer, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, said: "This skatepark offers those that use it the opportunity to exercise in a safe, well-managed environment.

"I know how highly it is valued by both young and old in the skating community and encouraging and supporting an active lifestyle is important to the Council.

"Installing this lighting system means the skatepark can stay open later during the darker months, offering the local community more opportunity to use it.

"The lights are only activated when someone is inside the facility so no energy is wasted when it's empty."

James Carnie, Organiser of Clwb Sglef, a skateboarding club for children, said: "During the Covid-19 pandemic, indoor skateparks have been forced to close a number of times which really limited the number of opportunities for our young people to enjoy their sport during winter months.

"Getting the lights switched on at Bryn-y-Don during the darker months will give skatepark users the chance to exercise during dry evenings.

"There are some great floodlit parks further afield in places such as Cwmbran, Hereford and Haverfordwest, where there is a great atmosphere skating under floodlights during the dark evenings.

"We hope we can create the same vibrancy in Dinas Powys and really maximise this community space."