THERE are calls to transform the former Sansome Walk Swimming Pool into a skatepark.

Already a petition backing the revamp has gained over 600 signatures from people who do not want to see it turned into housing or car parking.

Instead, Carrie-Ann Sheppard, who created the petition, hopes to make it an attraction which would be used by skateboard, scooter and BMX enthusiasts as a way to keep children active.

The old pool closed ahead of the launch of the new facility at Perdiswell Sports Centre on Saturday - with 6,000 people visiting the pool and gym during its opening weekend.

Sansome Walk is set to be demolished and a consultation is currently looking at options for the site.

Miss Sheppard said she wanted to get younger generations active and provide them with a safe environment.

The 25-year-old from Newtown Road said: "Having two younger brothers who are avid BMX-ers and surrounded by friends who ride, skate, inline etc I've been to many events and parks to help support them.

"This would provide them with somewhere to be safe, to enjoy what they do, somewhere the parents don't have to worry and something to get them off the console games many parents complain about.

"This would bring people from all over the West Midlands, a great park would put Worcester on the map and provide a city full of youth a new and exciting opportunity.

"I have seen first hand how the community has helped many individuals off the streets, from getting into trouble, getting out of the wrong crowd.

"We currently have athletes, sponsored and semi professional enthusiasts in our city, was anyone even aware?

"It's frowned up when they are outside ASDA, outside Elgar, down by the river - let's give them somewhere central to go."

She said there had been a lot of interest from people since the petition had gone live and hoped either a private investor or project grants could help fund the park.

"The comments are truly inspirational and heartwarming.

"It has been shared all over social media and [the number of people signing] is still rising by the day, and its not even been a week."

To sign the petition, log on to change.org/p/worcester-city-council-turn-sansome-walk-worcester-into-a-indoor-skatepark-facility-for-the-kids.

Alternatively, visit facebook.com/savesansomewalkskatepark.