THE mother and friends of a Barry skating champion who died tragically are appealing for information about the 'heartless' people who desecrated his Memorial Skate Park.

Richard Taylor's mum Gaynor and friends Scott Wilcox and Christopher Morris are urging anyone who may know something to come forward, after graffiti was daubed on ramps at the popular facility.

The park was established in memory of 23-year-old skater Richard, who died on August 7, 2004 after a freak accident.

The vandalism is believed to have taken place some time around January 21 and 22.

Gaynor established the Richard Taylor Fund in 2005 along with her late husband John and younger son Robert, with the aim of building the new park - something Richard had campaigned for.

And with generous donations from the people of Barry, and a Vale Council contribution of £30,000, the £90,000 park at The Knap was opened in 2007 - proving popular with BMXers, inline skaters, skaters and skateboarders of all ages since. Gaynor, 61, said: "It's shocking that someone came along here and write their views.

"If you want to air them use the media, not a memorial skate park for my son.

"We are all very upset about it.

"It's for skating - not getting a message out."

Richard's friends Scott and Chris said they believed the words are derived from a New York movement opposing drugs and alcohol, but said that fellow skaters were not responsible for the vandalism.

Scott, 32, said: "The skaters respect the park. It's a memorial to Richard."

Chris, 30, added: "It's very sad. We feel protective about the park."

Vale Council operational manager for parks and grounds maintenance, Phil Beaman said: "The regrettable damage to the Richard Taylor Memorial Park has been reported to the police who are now investigating the incident.

"The damage has been rectified by parks and grounds maintenance staff.

"While most of the paint has been removed, the vandalism on the ramp surfaces cannot be removed because removal materials would damage the skating surface.

"The daily skating use of the ramps will effectively wear away any remaining graffiti on the ramp surfaces without damaging the skate surfaces.

"Anyone with any information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the police."

Call Barry Police Station on 101.