Temporary skate park 'a waste of money'
YOUNGSTERS in Needham Market today branded an £800-a-day portable skatepark earmarked for the town a "waste of money".The town council is currently exploring ways of meeting demand for such a facility and have suggested hiring the skateboard kit as a solution.
YOUNGSTERS in Needham Market today branded an £800-a-day portable skatepark earmarked for the town a "waste of money".
The town council is currently exploring ways of meeting demand for such a facility and have suggested hiring the skateboard kit as a solution.
It is planned to put it in Crowley Park for a one-day trial to see how many people use it. If this proves popular, the council would then consider hiring it out for longer periods.
Paula Batchelor, mayor, said: "There doesn't seem to be cross-section support from the community and we've got our concerns about whether people would use it.
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"We thought if we brought something in for a day, we'd see what usage it gets. If it's successful, we would consider having for a longer time."
But Dawn Cudmore-Reid, of the Needham Market Skate Park Appeal, said youngsters want a permanent facility, not one that comes and goes.
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"The boys feel it's probably not going to be an ideal solution and feel that it may be a bit of a waste of money," she said.
"It would be nice to have a bit more feedback about what is being planned so we can express our views."
Leanne Hugill, chair of the appeal, added: "The older people moan that the youngsters are out on the streets causing a bit of problem but they're not giving them anywhere to go.
"If they gave them something of their own they would look after it and use it."
A number of people have already backed the appeal, while a questionnaire sent to more than 2,000 households also received a favourable response from the 97 residents who replied.
David Ruffley MP, whose Bury St Edmunds constituency includes Needham Market, said he supports moves for a permanent skate park but added the problem lies in finding a suitable site.
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