Residents fume over skatepark go-ahead
RESIDENTS were left fuming last night after controversial plans to build a skatepark in Deeside were given the go-ahead.
Protesters packed Flintshire Council's planning chamber yesterday afternoon in a bid to pressurise officials and councillors into kicking out the application, which they say will be a serious hazard to children and an anti-social menace to the community.
But despite their fears the plans were passed and a £250,000 play area catering for skateboarders and BMX bikers will now be built at Wepre Park.
Supporters of the project said it was a victory for the young people of Deeside and would give them somewhere to call their own, getting them off the streets and reducing anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
Residents were also told the council will bring in tough new measures to make Wepre Park and the grounds of Ewloe Castle alcohol-free zones.
Speaking at yesterday's meeting, Cllr Chris Bithell said: "There is a tendency in the UK to treat young people as terrorists. But there are a lot of well-behaved, decent young people who enjoy sports and want something that meets their needs.
"Young people have rights too and they need to be given a voice in this chamber today because they can't be here. A lot of anti-social behaviour comes from boredom and I think we should approve this scheme."
Hawarden councillor Pamela Walkden also pleaded with residents for patience, saying a similar facility was built in her ward despite much opposition but has proved to be one of the best things to happen to the village.
Cllr Derek Butler said: "This site was chosen as the best site after consultation with councillors, police and local residents.
"An executive motion is to be brought to make Wepre Park and Ewloe Castle an alcohol exclusion zone to combat anti-social behaviour."
Chief planning services officer Huw Evans said there were already problems with vandalism in the park and that similar concerns relating to skate parks in Hawarden and Buckley had not been realised.
But Cllr Tony Sharps said: "I wouldn't want something on other people's doorsteps I wouldn't be happy having on mine. Wepre Park is a park enjoyed for country pursuits and this would not sit well alongside that.
"A skatepark is a leisure facility and should be placed in a leisure area. We should kill this off today and let these residents have peace of mind."
Cllr Sharps' comments were met with rapturous applause by the protesters who lined the planning gallery.
The plans were originally submitted last year after a project named "Quay Wheels" won £60,000 in a TV competition.
However, more than 800
people signed a petition against the plan, claiming it would destroy the tranquillity of Wepre Park and encourage young people to congregate late at night, leading to anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
Resident George Woodworth described the skatepark as a "monster" and said its size and location is "completely inappropriate" for the area.
"It will destroy the amenity value of Wepre Park as a Public Open Space of Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
"People come from miles around. Children come from schools far and wide to enjoy the natural habitat and work on educational projects, so why do we want a skateboard park in Wepre Park when our park provides so many benefits?"
However, when the project secured the funding, Connah's Quay town centre manager Lisa Fearn said: "This will be a fantastic facility for Connah's Quay and the whole of Flintshire."
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/news/Residents-fume-over-skatepark-goahead.3179979.jp
3 comments:
YEAAAAHHHHHH DEESIDE SKATEPARK xD
There ia a play park and a skatepark and the glorious scenery and wildlife, the skatepark opened up new doors and brings more visitors to the area increasing money made at the shop and cafe and keeping anti social behaviour down, the kids have a place to learn skills and focus there time and energy on something positive and exercise there minds as well as there body's.
Its proven that skateparks around the world turn children's lifestyle choices negative into positive.
pity they only done half a job on the construction of the skatepark. Get it finished and keep the kids happy and occupied for longer, do a good job and attract more monies to the area.
Some one with some time and inclination to better the area should get some funding to finish the skatepark, maybe Airbus or Tata steel would like to sponsor the park and help with funding. ?
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