A Bradford indoor skateboard park faces closure at the end of the month unless it can attract a financial backer and more customers to ensure its survival.

Bosses of The Snakepit in Manchester Road say it will shut in the next two weeks unless there is a dramatic upsurge in attendance figures.

Manager Harry Burd said at least 232 people have to use the indoor park just to break even, but levels have plummeted in the past month. "Last week we only had 72 use the venue, the week before 68 and so far this week 64.

"On Monday we had just two skaters in the evening and made £3.50 - it costs £13 an hour just to run the place.

"We have a small group of dedicated skaters but this group is not sufficient to pay for the upkeep of the park," he said.

The venture has failed to attract long-term funding despite a plea for cash from Bradford Council, businesses and banks.

Bosses say they can no longer keep sinking cash into the business and need at least £10,000 to secure its future.

They have also introduced two new schemes allowing youths to skate for the whole of the week for a few pounds - but only three people have snapped up the offer to date.

The skateboard park was unveiled last July. It is a commercial venture which means it is ineligible for Council funding, but a Council spokesman said it was looking for ways to help the business. Earlier this year it was awarded a £500 grant from the Council, when it faced a similar cash crisis

In March it held a 12-hour sponsored skateathon which raised £500. But it is still waiting for all the cash to be collected.

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