A SKATE park closed yesterday because its insurance premiums have tripled.
Ten thousand children are members of Ape Skate Park, in Martinet Road, Thornaby, Teesside, which was set up by owner Roger Awah three years ago.
He said: "I have tried everything to save this place but now that is it, there is nothing more I can do.
"We cannot operate without insurance, so unless I get some on Monday we will not reopen on Tuesday - it is very sad," he said yesterday.
Mr Awah is trying to come up with a membership system where children pay £10 a year to insure themselves against personal injuries, similar to a system used in America.
Mr Awah said youngsters would have to support the scheme if there was any chance of the park re-opening.
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