Hopes for skateboard park are finally dashed (From Gazette & Herald)

Hopes for skateboard park are finally dashed

HOPES of a skateboard park being built for Pickering's youngsters at the town's Recreation Ground have finally been lost.

The trustees of the ground met this week and decided not to take any further action on a request by the Pickering Skateboard Park Steering Group to use a triangular corner of the ground as a park.

Tony Dunning, chairman of Pickering Town Football Club and one of the trustees, confirmed that a letter had been received from the steering group, but the trustees had agreed not to take any further action. He believed the group seeking a skateboard park should look at alternative sites in Pickering.

Pressed as to where such a site might be found, Mr Dunning suggested behind the swimming pool, Ruffa Lane, Newbridge or the old coal yard. "I don't think the group has looked hard enough for a site," he said.

Mr Dunning said the area earmarked by the group was needed for further development of the Recreation Ground's activities. "We are not going to change our minds," he said.

The recreation ground is used by three clubs - football, cricket and bowls. He said he considered skateboarding to be "a minority sport".

The steering group issued a statement through its leader, County Coun Betsy Hill, who has championed the cause.

"The deed of trust is written in very inclusive terms, but the recreation ground will remain the exclusive territory of existing users," the statement said.

"The steering group, which is made up of those involved in the provision of services to young people, will continue to work positively to try and provide a facility in the town. Efforts will be made to transfer the funding allocated by Sport England to provide other facilities within Pickering for young people."

The statement added: "The group would like to express their deepest apologies to the young people of Pickering who were so looking forward to the provision of a skateboard park for young people. The need has been clearly identified for over five years and young people have reason to feel thoroughly let down."

Updated: 11:15 Wednesday, October 15, 2003