A SKATEPARK in Warrington has announced its sudden closure.

The indoor venue, which is one of the largest in Europe, took to social media to make the shock announcement.

RAMP 1 Skatepark has been in Sankey Bridges since 2014, and has traded steadily for the best part of a decade in Warrington.

Warrington Guardian: The skatepark was fitted inside the warehouse in 2014The skatepark was fitted inside the warehouse in 2014 (Image: Newsquest)

Now, however, the business has become the latest casualty of the cost-of-living crisis, having already been pushed to the brink by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The skatepark's owners say that they have done everything that they can to avoid closing the business, but with increasing rent and energy prices they simply cannot continue to offer customers 'value for money.'

A statement from the indoor skatepark that was posted on social media reads: "RAMP 1 opened its doors in 2014, and has managed to trade for nine years, even battling through Covid-19 closures as well as the occasional flood.

"Despite all our efforts, we are unfortunately having to close the doors as of Monday, June 12, as the business simply cannot offer our valued customers value for money 'priced sessions' whilst maintaining increased property rent, energy prices, food prices, and general price increases.

"We have done everything we can to avoid this, but it has now become unsustainable.

"We really appreciate the support our loyal customers have shown us over the years, and our team are going to miss you all."

The skatepark goes on to explain that future bookings have now been refunded and that discounted all-day sessions will be available on Sunday, June 11.

RAMP 1's statement concludes: "We are extremely upset to see this valued local community service come to an end."

The indoor skatepark has a large following on social media, with more than 10,000 'likes' and follows on Facebook.

When the venue opened in 2014, it cost £1million to refit the former warehouse with the correct equipment to facilitate indoor skating; speaking to the Warrington Guardian at the time, duty manager Keith Cottier said: "Warrington’s not got a lot to offer children and it will sort of be a youth centre too, we are really keen to work with groups from the town and make it very affordable.”

RAMP 1 Skatepark can be found on Penketh Business Park, off Liverpool Road - it will close on Monday, June 12.