Council sets aside £35,000 for new Wisbech skate park - but much more required before go ahead can be given
Most of the skate park in Waterlees has been removed after showing signs of wear and tear. Now a campaign to build a new park is under way. PHOTO: Waterlees Community - Credit: Archant
Age has overtaken the wooden skate park in Waterlees, Wisbech, and it has now been dismantled and removed amidst hopes that a replacement is affordable.
Fenland Council Young people said that around £35,000 of Section 106 money – funds given by developers to provide infra-structure and amenities – has been set aside for the project “and it is hoped this will attract further investment and funding from other sources”.
A council spokesman praised local councillors Virginia and Michael Bucknor “who have been championing support for an improved skate park for several years”.
Cllr Mrs Bucknor says the plan is to provide a concrete skate park to ensure it stands the test of time.
“Our next meeting will be to get the kids views,” she said. “We obviously don’t want to raise the children’s expectations yet again and then disappoint them.
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“We have 1,500 young people in Waterlees alone before you count all the other Wisbech children”.
Fenland District Council says it is working with Wisbech Town Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, local housing provider Clarion Futures, residents and the Oasis Community Centre to help develop and fund a new park.
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The spokesman said: “Our open spaces team will provide expertise to help deliver the new facility, alongside the engineering team, once an agreed skate park build commences.”
The spokesman said the project group is in the process of applying to various funders for support, and will be fundraising within the local community, supported with a £500 donation from Wisbech Town Council’s mayor’s fund.
Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “There is a considerable amount of community support for this project and it’s great to see a number of organisations and individuals working together to push it along.
“This is a great opportunity for youngsters to get involved and shape what the skate park should look like, so I’d urge them to have their say.”
The skate park consultation runs until the end of February and will include local schools.
Young people taking part in an on line survey will be entered for a draw to win a £50 voucher for skate and street wear items.
