The £18,000 facility was set to be used by hundreds of skating fanatics across the Chichester district but it was stolen just six days after it was delivered to a compound in Spur Road, Chichester.

The multi-agency project was developed by the Revelation Church, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council Youth Service to offer a vital facility to rural areas and build links with users.

Church leader Dan Slatter (33) said he was devastated by the theft but determined to get the project back on track.

"We are still trying to pick up the pieces but our desire is that this will not be the end of the project," he said.

"At the moment we are speaking to the insurance companies and waiting for the next step.

"This is delaying it by several months and we are then getting towards the winter period, which is obviously the downtime for the park."

The small street-course facility comprised around ten ramps and was suitable for either indoor or outdoor use.

A team of youth workers would have taken it to villages and towns without such a facility, and engaged with youngsters, offering help and support where needed.

There are only two firms in the UK manufacturing mobile skate parks, making it difficult for the thieves to sell it on without arousing suspicion.

It was inside a white Ifor Williams boxed trailer, also stolen, and Mr Slatter is convinced the thieves were unaware of its existence.

"If someone opened up the back of the trailer I'm not even sure they would know what it was.

"It has probably been dumped in a ditch somewhere," he said.

The church is offering a 'substantial' reward for its safe return.


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