More calls for safer skating

WORRIED mums have echoed cries for more safety at another Suffolk skate park.Concerns about the level of supervision and few users wearing helmets at Ipswich have prompted parents to call for more vigilance at Stowmarket's popular new facility.

By James Fraser

WORRIED mums have echoed cries for more safety at another Suffolk skate park.

Concerns about the level of supervision and few users wearing helmets at Ipswich have prompted parents to call for more vigilance at Stowmarket's popular new facility.

Their call comes after the Evening Star highlighted the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear at Ipswich's newest magnet for youngsters as we stated that the individuals or their parents were liable for any injury – and not the council.

As the attraction, which opened last autumn, proves a big hit among the youth of the area, the Evening Star spoke to mums in the town's Recreation Park.

Mrs Lynne Bennett said that even hourly checks by a responsible adult would put her mind at rest – as she never allows son Frank, 8, to play at the skate park without a helmet.

"The skate park absolutely lovely idea but hardly any of them have got a helmet on," she said.

But she added that the older children were doing a good job of supervising the younger ones, describing one incident in which a teenager apologised and ticked off a girl for swearing in front of her.

Mrs Jane Pearson, whose son Rikki, 9, takes advantage of living nearby to test himself on the half-pipe and other ramps on the park, considered that the job of supervising the park – if there was to be one – would be too big for just one volunteer.

But she added that there should be checks on safety equipment.

Chris Fry, leisure manager for Mid Suffolk District Council who helped fund the facility together with Stowmarket Town Council, told the Star that protective clothing should be worn at all times.