Crowds of skateboarders and BMX enthusiasts enjoyed the ramps at Southsea Skatepark yesterday.

The message from users was to keep the skatepark open as concerns grow about its future.

The skatepark was built to much fanfare in 1978 as it was one of the first skateparks in the country with international-standard ramps.

But after 30 years the facility off Clarence Esplanade is in dire need of investment.

Portsmouth City Council has set up a charitable trust to look after the skatepark and is setting its hopes on a £1m grant to reverse the fortunes of the skatepark.

Daniel Emo, the skatepark warden, said the sheer number of people attending the anniversary proved its popularity.

He said: 'It was one of the first skateparks in the UK with American-style ramps.

'There are still some ramps that you would not find anywhere else.

'I think they should definitely keep it. It's a landmark in Portsmouth. It has the potential to be really great – it just needs the investment.'

Councillor Terry Hall, who is in charge of leisure facilities in Portsmouth, said a grant was being submitted next month to the government's 'myplace' fund, a £190m kitty which is aimed at delivering world-class places for young people.

She said: 'Like a lot of council properties it has had nothing spent on it for 20 years.

'That's okay for a couple of years, but it cannot go on indefinitely.

'We have to ask if it is best run by the council or by the users.'

But she said: 'I think it is a great time for the skatepark.

'If we win this grant we will be able to rebuild the clubhouse and catering facilities.

'I am not saying everything is rosy. But I would like to think that the skatepark will still be here in another 30 years' time.'