Skatepark progress hope

Assurances have been given that a skatepark in Ollerton would not attract vandalism, noise, litter and gangs of youths.

A group called Boards and Wheels, which wants a park for skateboarders, BMX riders and rollerbladers, gave a presentation to town councillors.

Youth worker Mrs Debbie Swanwick said the youngsters’ preferred location was on Sherwood Energy Village.

She said they had also contacted the Forestry Commission about land on the pit tip near the carpark on Newark Road.

Mrs Swanwick said the type of skatepark they wanted would cost about £120,000 but they could not start applying for funding until land had been secured.

Mrs Swanwick said they were looking at a concrete design, and wanted it to be open at all times, if possible. They would like it to have an area for beginners and one for the more experienced.

The meeting was told there were about 30 people, mostly aged from 13 to 19 but also some as young as ten and some aged in their late 20s, taking part in the activities — but the number could double or treble if there was a skatepark.

Mrs Swanwick has been working with the group for 21/2 years to establish a skatepark in Ollerton.

She said they had been focusing on trying to find land and on putting together a campaign to raise awareness and get support.

She said the youngsters had nowhere to go and were forced to skate on streets, the Tesco carpark and the Dukeries College.

She said they had visited skateparks across the country to see what kind of facilities they would like.

She said they wanted to make sure whatever was provided was to the liking of the young people and the community.

Mrs Swanwick said: “The group is happy to negotiate to make sure it fits in with what the community wants. It doesn’t have to look like a monstrosity.”

Town councillors expressed concern that it would be difficult to protect a skatepark from vandalism if it was open all the time.

Mr Tony Spratley said his brother in Kent said concerns there about litter, noise and gangs of youths gathering at a skatepark had not materialised.

One of the youngsters said a survey showed more noise was created at a children’s play area than at a skatepark.

Mr Stan Crawford warned that the area they referred to on the energy village was designated green open space, and was boggy, and unsuitable for building.

He said they should also be aware that a rugby club was interested in putting pitches on the energy village.

Mr Ray Shilling told the group: “You are pushing against an open door. We have long wanted to see a skatepark and that position hasn’t changed.”

He said the issues that had to be considered were location and ownership of the land, what kind of equipment they wanted, and what it would be made from.

“We are supportive of it. We will look at land the council owns to see if any is suitable then invite you back,” he said.