A POPULAR skate park and outdoor gym that was once overrun with vandalism and prone to attacks is now "better than ever", according to its users.

The skate park in Burringham Road used to be a place where skateboarders came under attack from gangs who pelted them with stones and littered their park with empty booze bottles and vomit.

Members of the Wanna Sk8 committee, who worked tirelessly to raise £100,000 to have the facility installed, used to feared to use their beloved venue.

But over the past month the skaters have been using the facilities regularly without fear of attack or intimidation.

Wanna Sk8 member Jason Holmes said things had improved.

He said: "There hasn't been any trouble or any violence.

"We go down there every day now.

"The kids still go down, but they don't cause trouble any more.

"It's better now than it's ever been."

Oliver Crossley, 21, said: "I think it's got a lot better. There are still people coming down, but there has not been any major trouble like there has been."

Meanwhile, yobs who made it impossible for a fibromyalgia sufferer to take vital exercise at the adiZone facility at Manor Park in Burringham Road, now act responsibly.

Once again Alison Barton, 44, of Riddings, can happily use the gym to help ease the symptoms of her condition, which causes widespread muscle pain and fatigue, before the gang moved in and took over.

She said: "It's a lot better. I would say there are some youngsters who hang around, but they just sit at watch you.

"I used to be worried about going to the gym after work, but now it's fine.

"I try and go as much as I can, around three to four times a week and do an hour of exercise.

"I've got a lot more relaxed in myself. I'm quite pleased with the way it's turned out and I hope it continues."

Sergeant Phil Moore, of Humberside Police, said: "It's very pleasing to hear the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) has been able to improve the situation because it's nice to see young people getting facilities without others spoiling it.

"Hopefully, people can continue to respect the facility and use it safely.

"I am very pleased the CDRP has been able to be part of policies to make that happen."