I AM a young person and I am writing to address a concern that has affected the lives of other young people, as well as myself, in Warrington.

As you may be aware, Skate Academy was a symbolic part of our town centre where many families and groups would go to relax and have a fun day out together.

It was shut down in March leaving many citizens of Warrington devastated.

For me personally, the rink was a way to escape my depression. It gave me a purpose in life and a reason to keep living.

I made so many friends as well as memories and always looked forward to the day that I could let all my thoughts go.

Once it shut down I had no other way to escape and lost all hope in life.

There are lots of opportunities and places for younger kids to go in Warrington but not for the older ones.

The rink was a place where all ages and abilities were accepted, however there is now nothing.

It also keeps kids off the streets and out of trouble, as the crime rate in Warrington is rising among young people within the town.

I hope you may be able to reconsider you choices to demolish the roller rink, as you can see how the lives of people in Warrington are being affected.

CHLOE HESKETH Warrington