Bridgwater skatepark sites considered (From Bridgwater Mercury)

what about considering the Market site on the Bath Road ? it would enhance the area which is a derelict eyesore !! there would be limited problems with traffic and it is quite central.

It is actually good news to hear of a Councillor willing to work with young people and users to find out what and where they want it rather than impose his own and disregard others.

£130,000 ???

Cancel it and return the money to the council tax payers

Agree with BaldCarl2.

I totally agree, what a waste of money. Next to the police station would be the best so they are close at hand to deal with all the anti social behaviour.

The idea of a skatepark has been supported for many years so probably the youth of the town actually expect it finally delivered. The money is from RLT sources-which comes from Developers in order to provide leisure space due to their developments. Anyone and EVERYONE wishing to comment can do so by either emailing westoverward@gmail.c
om or adding comments direct on http://www.facebook.
com/events/225616234
215575/.

a waste of money??? get a grip u bunch of old fuddy duddies the youth of today are damned if they do and damned if they dont! you complain when they congregate outside the cornhill " making a nuisance of themselves " and when they actually try to do something constructive with their time for the better of the town (which really offers very little for teenagers) they get slammed for that also! I personally feel it a fit and proper use of the local tax payers afterall shouldnt we promote sport and recreation amongst youngsters? or should they all be in their bedrooms on a playstation not being "anti social" baldcarl and grisley reg get back to ure allotments and talk about whatever old people talk about and let these young people get on with it!

I have an allotment, and I think it's great that kids are getting involved. They will be able to see from the inside how things work, and will be the next generation of tax payers themselves.
Good luck to them, and I hope they get the facilities they want and deserve.

sorry I didnt mean to offend anyone with allotments it was a slightly flippant comment. no response from the miserable bunch above I see! They are all probably in whetherspoons drinking 99p bitter moaning about the youth of today and generally putting the world to rights!

Peteronions wrote:
I totally agree, what a waste of money. Next to the police station would be the best so they are close at hand to deal with all the anti social behaviour.

Why tag all young people with anti-social behaviour!!! Would you prefer them doing something they enjoy..as you do, no doubt! or all on the streets smashing windows and mugging old ladies.

Would we have the same reation if they wanted to contruct a bowling green for the old dears..I think not. We should all be entitled to some form of recreation that fits our age or inclinaton!

Please get a life!

Not so many years ago the skate park was allocated land on College Way and I think im right in saying £40,000 was put aside for it. Then the council allocated the land to the college after they made a complaint about the position of the skate park, and the land is still empty. So what happened to the £40,000 put aside for that ?

I was thinking about this article lunchtime and trying to see it in a positive light and can see it would give something for the kids to do rather than hanging around on the streets where yes we do moan. But there is always a but... without upsetting any girls and not saying there aren't any but how many of these people are girls that skateboard, more likely the girls will hang around because the boys are skateboarding! Also for about 4 months of the year when its dark at about 4pm - 6pm in the winter it will only be used at the weekends and end up being a huge area for young people to drink so instead of different areas in Town we now have more people central in a larger area. Maybe a PSO is going to be needed more expense. This Town gets it wrong all the time, instead of a skateboard park outside and not going to be used in the winter it needs something everyone can enjoy, yes everyone.. under 10's, teenagers, mothers with kids, young adults, middle aged and OAP's something like a Ten pin Bowling alley, ice ring there are some active OAP's before anyone mentions this! If it has to be a skateboard park it is far too much money put aside for something that won't be used by everyone, let the kids make their own ramps and learn vital skills like wood work to cut the costs a little, I grew up without a skateboard park area didn't hang around on streets or go to parks don't see why it is any different for kids of today compared to when I was young.

Not wishing to labour the point but what does it take for people to realise that this is a good news story. It is about time our young people had something invested in them. Surely this must be better then them lounging at home playing computer games? It gets youngster out and actually taking exercise. Just a shame my grown up kids are not able to enjoy a facility they were crying out for 15 years ago.

Sedgemoor Labour wrote:
The idea of a skatepark has been supported for many years so probably the youth of the town actually expect it finally delivered. The money is from RLT sources-which comes from Developers in order to provide leisure space due to their developments. Anyone and EVERYONE wishing to comment can do so by either emailing westoverward@gmail.c

om or adding comments direct on http://www.facebook.

com/events/225616234

215575/.

Mustn't upset the youth of the town they expect it delivered.

To hell with it and build it. Spend spend and spend. It doesn't matter where the money comes from as that is a bottomless pit.

While we are at it, build as many cycle lanes, emergency temporary accommodations for single mothers who have fallen out with their families, a centre for abused Eastern European lesbians over 50, a one stop shop offering advice to the unemployed on how tie their shoe laces, etc etc etc.

These are all vital services needed in the our town.

Still waiting for bridgwater backwards to start moaning !!!!!!

The youngsters dont really want the YMCA option because it may have to be supervised and may have restrictions attached .
with a budget of £120 k why dont they look @ purchasing a warehouse unit , all weather use ....build a indoor Cafe etc
A unit like the Empty Focus store on Wylds Road , Ideal Large Car-Park ...
Come on Town - Council use your £20 K wisely + £110 k from SDC look outside your normal Bubble
(What Happened about the Land next to Sainsburys that was earmarked for the Skatepark )

cidreman wrote:
The youngsters dont really want the YMCA option because it may have to be supervised and may have restrictions attached .
with a budget of £120 k why dont they look @ purchasing a warehouse unit , all weather use ....build a indoor Cafe etc
A unit like the Empty Focus store on Wylds Road , Ideal Large Car-Park ...
Come on Town - Council use your £20 K wisely + £110 k from SDC look outside your normal Bubble
(What Happened about the Land next to Sainsburys that was earmarked for the Skatepark )

Spot on - there's a template close by in the Minehead Eye indoor skatepark that has a multi purpose element too with other events and activities taking place (eg: Indoor Paintball, music, etc...!)

MINIME2 wrote:
Not so many years ago the skate park was allocated land on College Way and I think im right in saying £40,000 was put aside for it. Then the council allocated the land to the college after they made a complaint about the position of the skate park, and the land is still empty. So what happened to the £40,000 put aside for that ?

It probably fell into the money pit called Splash which used to swallow up far too much of our council tax.

Frags27, I understand your sentiments, but what company is going to build, maintain and staff an ice rink or bowling alley in a town of this size? Even Bristol is losing its ice rink this year. There used to be a bowling alley on St Mary Street years ago but it obviously wasn't used enough.

I think cidreman has got the right idea about having an indoor skate park, but again, who will pay to manage it? As Samej1 says, other activities should be available alongside the skating area - that would be ideal, but a willing private company would need to step in and run it, then there would no doubt be an entrance fee attached…would people be willing (or able) to pay to use it?

All ...
make use of Skateboard Committee ...Run it like Rollercoaster Youth Centre
Get all the Town Council involved and Town Clerk
All this if but how, been going on now for years .
The Money is there use it ...Build it make it Multi -purpose , All weather ,
Form A trust , ask for Funding
Cllr Smedley would know how to go about this !

Some money from EDF would not go amiss.

BaldCarl2 wrote:
£130,000 ???

Cancel it and return the money to the council tax payers

Cancel it?, get a life and leave the youngsters alone, you boring old ****!!!!!!!

Peteronions wrote:
I totally agree, what a waste of money. Next to the police station would be the best so they are close at hand to deal with all the anti social behaviour.

My son is one of those kids, they are not anti-social-None of you were young once then. Get your facts straight before you comment.

frenchie83 wrote:
a waste of money??? get a grip u bunch of old fuddy duddies the youth of today are damned if they do and damned if they dont! you complain when they congregate outside the cornhill " making a nuisance of themselves " and when they actually try to do something constructive with their time for the better of the town (which really offers very little for teenagers) they get slammed for that also! I personally feel it a fit and proper use of the local tax payers afterall shouldnt we promote sport and recreation amongst youngsters? or should they all be in their bedrooms on a playstation not being "anti social" baldcarl and grisley reg get back to ure allotments and talk about whatever old people talk about and let these young people get on with it!

I agree with you Frenchie83,

Samej1 wrote:

cidreman wrote:
The youngsters dont really want the YMCA option because it may have to be supervised and may have restrictions attached .
with a budget of £120 k why dont they look @ purchasing a warehouse unit , all weather use ....build a indoor Cafe etc
A unit like the Empty Focus store on Wylds Road , Ideal Large Car-Park ...
Come on Town - Council use your £20 K wisely + £110 k from SDC look outside your normal Bubble
(What Happened about the Land next to Sainsburys that was earmarked for the Skatepark )

Spot on - there's a template close by in the Minehead Eye indoor skatepark that has a multi purpose element too with other events and activities taking place (eg: Indoor Paintball, music, etc...!)

Also, there will be a charge and even if its very small, some familys would not be able to afford it, to some even £2 a year is out of reach.

Why is Victoria Park still on the list? It already has skate/BMX ramps and any expansion will further reduce the green space that all ages enjoy. It is very well used, but the littering around it is appalling - despite bins nearby. Also, siting it right next to a young children's play area means toddlers/parents are exposed to lots of bad language!

hevjay wrote:

Samej1 wrote:

cidreman wrote:
The youngsters dont really want the YMCA option because it may have to be supervised and may have restrictions attached .
with a budget of £120 k why dont they look @ purchasing a warehouse unit , all weather use ....build a indoor Cafe etc
A unit like the Empty Focus store on Wylds Road , Ideal Large Car-Park ...
Come on Town - Council use your £20 K wisely + £110 k from SDC look outside your normal Bubble
(What Happened about the Land next to Sainsburys that was earmarked for the Skatepark )

Spot on - there's a template close by in the Minehead Eye indoor skatepark that has a multi purpose element too with other events and activities taking place (eg: Indoor Paintball, music, etc...!)

Also, there will be a charge and even if its very small, some familys would not be able to afford it, to some even £2 a year is out of reach.

Sorry but I really don't believe that £2 a year is out of reach for any family...thats a bit of an exageration to say the least - how much does a skateboard cost ?? if they can afford that then they can surely afford £2 ?

frags27 wrote:
I was thinking about this article lunchtime and trying to see it in a positive light and can see it would give something for the kids to do rather than hanging around on the streets where yes we do moan. But there is always a but... without upsetting any girls and not saying there aren't any but how many of these people are girls that skateboard, more likely the girls will hang around because the boys are skateboarding! Also for about 4 months of the year when its dark at about 4pm - 6pm in the winter it will only be used at the weekends and end up being a huge area for young people to drink so instead of different areas in Town we now have more people central in a larger area. Maybe a PSO is going to be needed more expense. This Town gets it wrong all the time, instead of a skateboard park outside and not going to be used in the winter it needs something everyone can enjoy, yes everyone.. under 10's, teenagers, mothers with kids, young adults, middle aged and OAP's something like a Ten pin Bowling alley, ice ring there are some active OAP's before anyone mentions this! If it has to be a skateboard park it is far too much money put aside for something that won't be used by everyone, let the kids make their own ramps and learn vital skills like wood work to cut the costs a little, I grew up without a skateboard park area didn't hang around on streets or go to parks don't see why it is any different for kids of today compared to when I was young.

Just because you didn,t have it no-one else can. That is an apalling attitude. Its you who is getting it wrong!!!!

Bridgy old Boy wrote:
Not wishing to labour the point but what does it take for people to realise that this is a good news story. It is about time our young people had something invested in them. Surely this must be better then them lounging at home playing computer games? It gets youngster out and actually taking exercise. Just a shame my grown up kids are not able to enjoy a facility they were crying out for 15 years ago.

Good comment Bridgy old boy!

cidreman wrote:
All ...
make use of Skateboard Committee ...Run it like Rollercoaster Youth Centre
Get all the Town Council involved and Town Clerk
All this if but how, been going on now for years .
The Money is there use it ...Build it make it Multi -purpose , All weather ,
Form A trust , ask for Funding
Cllr Smedley would know how to go about this !

Rollercoater is not for everybody, the skatepark MUST be!!

latitude wrote:

MINIME2 wrote:
Not so many years ago the skate park was allocated land on College Way and I think im right in saying £40,000 was put aside for it. Then the council allocated the land to the college after they made a complaint about the position of the skate park, and the land is still empty. So what happened to the £40,000 put aside for that ?

It probably fell into the money pit called Splash which used to swallow up far too much of our council tax.

You sure it didn't fall in the river when the wall collapsed!!

sheldoncooper wrote:

hevjay wrote:

Samej1 wrote:

cidreman wrote:
The youngsters dont really want the YMCA option because it may have to be supervised and may have restrictions attached .
with a budget of £120 k why dont they look @ purchasing a warehouse unit , all weather use ....build a indoor Cafe etc
A unit like the Empty Focus store on Wylds Road , Ideal Large Car-Park ...
Come on Town - Council use your £20 K wisely + £110 k from SDC look outside your normal Bubble
(What Happened about the Land next to Sainsburys that was earmarked for the Skatepark )

Spot on - there's a template close by in the Minehead Eye indoor skatepark that has a multi purpose element too with other events and activities taking place (eg: Indoor Paintball, music, etc...!)

Also, there will be a charge and even if its very small, some familys would not be able to afford it, to some even £2 a year is out of reach.

Sorry but I really don't believe that £2 a year is out of reach for any family...thats a bit of an exageration to say the least - how much does a skateboard cost ?? if they can afford that then they can surely afford £2 ?

I disagree, some familys would not be able to afford it and some kids parents can't afford a skateboard or bmx bike. They should be able to use the skatepark and have the loan of a board or bike. They do this in other areas. Do you take balls and pins when you go 10 pin bowling!!!!!!

Cidreman , thats the best idea yet . Hope someone picks up on it. Well said.

MINIME2 wrote:
Not so many years ago the skate park was allocated land on College Way and I think im right in saying £40,000 was put aside for it. Then the council allocated the land to the college after they made a complaint about the position of the skate park, and the land is still empty. So what happened to the £40,000 put aside for that ?

I thought the same - planning permission was granted for a skate park at College Way - so why not build one there - why are we looking for another site when there is already a site available. In recent years a skate park has been build in Victoria Park - so why not use that one !!! or am i missing the point !!!

hevjay wrote:

frags27 wrote:
I was thinking about this article lunchtime and trying to see it in a positive light and can see it would give something for the kids to do rather than hanging around on the streets where yes we do moan. But there is always a but... without upsetting any girls and not saying there aren't any but how many of these people are girls that skateboard, more likely the girls will hang around because the boys are skateboarding! Also for about 4 months of the year when its dark at about 4pm - 6pm in the winter it will only be used at the weekends and end up being a huge area for young people to drink so instead of different areas in Town we now have more people central in a larger area. Maybe a PSO is going to be needed more expense. This Town gets it wrong all the time, instead of a skateboard park outside and not going to be used in the winter it needs something everyone can enjoy, yes everyone.. under 10's, teenagers, mothers with kids, young adults, middle aged and OAP's something like a Ten pin Bowling alley, ice ring there are some active OAP's before anyone mentions this! If it has to be a skateboard park it is far too much money put aside for something that won't be used by everyone, let the kids make their own ramps and learn vital skills like wood work to cut the costs a little, I grew up without a skateboard park area didn't hang around on streets or go to parks don't see why it is any different for kids of today compared to when I was young.

Just because you didn,t have it no-one else can. That is an apalling attitude. Its you who is getting it wrong!!!!

I am not getting in wrong that is in your opinion only and not fact. Even if I had it when I was younger I still wouldn't have used it because skateboarding isn't really a girl thing and neither is doing bike stunts on a bmx! I am as I stated sure some girls do these things but not as many as boys so its really aimed at boys or that is how I see it. In my own opinion which I am entitled to I am just saying it would be nice to have a facility that everyone of any age can use whatever that facility is, even if you have to pay a small fee to use. I remember the days of the Lido 50p all day all ages and everyone went. I remember even going with my gran who was 60+. Each to their own is what you should realise which is why you have a right to your own opinion without saying that I am getting it wrong.

Everyone ..Look the important thing is that the money is there to build the Youngsters a Skatepark + BMX site ...
From RLT Developers Funds , some of the Town Councillors are on the SDC planning and Development commitees , so whats the problem ....
Are the Town Councillors in support of the Skate Park & BMX ..I see only 1.. Who is really in support Clr Brian Smedley ..
Does anyone know the amount of Funds which are held in these Developers RLT accounts
Who controls them , who decides where it should spent etc ..
Maybe if these facts were known , and the amounts of Funding available , a True All purpose leisure facility could be built .....
I know that the Town Council have a Civic Enhancement Fund of over £ 240 ,000 Whats it gong to be spent on , its Public Funds ...Enhancement !?
It could be used to help fund leisure for the Town of Bridgwater ..