AN 'at risk' Three Towns skate park has once again been the target of firebugs.

The future of Evolution Skatepark on Canal Street was cast into doubt earlier this year following a spate of "extreme vandlism".

The park, which borders Saltcoats and Stevenston, was damaged back in June when containers at the facility were broken into and substantial damage was caused.

Further issues later arose after the same containers were broken into and set alight by vandals around the same time.

Evolution Skatepark has been closed since last year after the voluntary board who operated the facility decided to disband at the end of 2023.

The property had been sub-leased to the volunteers by KA Leisure, which manages the neighbouring Auchenharvie Leisure Centre.

Officials at North Ayrshire Council (NAC) had previously stated that they were in discussions with KA Leisure with a view to the latter organisation taking over the management of the skate park.

Following June's vandalism the local authority said that they had removed all salvageable equipment from the site to ensure it is protected.

Thereafter, it was said that discussions would be had with KA Leisure to determine whether the site will be in a suitable condition to operate in the future.

While the issue has desisted in recent months, perhaps breathing hope into the idea that the park could be brought back to life, similar issues arose again over the weekend.

Late on Friday (August 16) evening, yet another blaze had to be extinguished within a portacabin at the park.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 10.12pm on Friday, August 16, to reports of a fire within a portacabin on Canal Street, near Stevenston.

"Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances to the scene and crews extinguished the fire.

"There were no casualties, and firefighters left the scene after ensuring the area was safe."

After hearing of the fire, locals fumed that a once thriving facility was being thrown further into jeopardy.

One person said: "This is such a shame! The amount of time, effort and fundraising that went into the skate park years ago to make a nice place for kids, teens to frequent.

"Seems you can’t have anything these days without someone ruining it."

While another added: "This is so sad. I can’t imagine my life without all the long days I spent in that skatepark, for years, and to see it now just wasting away with no support."

North Ayrshire Council say there is no further update to provide on the situation at this time.