Fight begins to secure new skatepark for Stamford
SKATERS are backing a campaign to build a new skatepark in Stamford.
Young people were left reeling when the ramps in the Recreation Ground were demolished by South Kesteven District Council contractors on May 2 because they were unsafe.
Last week Stamford Skatepark Committee launched a fundraising campaign for a replacement and the town has responded admirably with offers of help and possibly even building temporary ramps.
The committee wants to install a concrete structure, which will be more durable and require less maintenance than the previous wooden framework, but estimates it will cost around 150,000.
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Among the people backing the campaign is rollerblader Lee Jackson.
The 22-year-old college tutor, of Kesteven Road, Stamford, said: "I think it is an asset to the younger community. They are mixing with each other and mixing with older people, you get a good social environment down there.
"For an outdoor facility I thought it was a fantastic place. It had everything in there that everyone needed."
Lee, who teaches performing arts at New College Stamford, has been rollerblading for 11 years and used the original ramps since they were installed seven years ago.
He says the nearest facility is Adrenaline Alley at Corby which youngsters have to pay to use.
Lee said of losing the ramps: "I know a lot of people who use it for skateboards and BMXs. They seem to really enjoy it, I am more disappointed about it going for them rather than myself."
Stamford Skatepark Committee is pleased with the response it has had so far to the campaign. Four people pledged to help with fundraising and New College Stamford has offered help with writing fundraising bids and possibly building temporary ramps, if the district council agrees.
The committee has contacted firms which build skateparks to get quotes before it can submit funding bids and is planning to organise events at the Stamford Festival Fun Day on Sunday, June 29.
Committee member Jenny Wright, 25, of East Street, Stamford, said of the response: "I think it shows the skatepark was a very valuable thing to have in Stamford. Things are going well and the town has got behind us."
District councillor John Smith (Con), portfolioholder for healthy environment, and acting chief executive Beverley Aglass took the decision to close and demolish the skatepark on May 1 after a report stated the ramps were unsafe.
The council has told the committee the site will still be used for recreational use but has not guaranteed that a skatepark will be there. Coun Smith said: "We are trying to progress the matter, it is not going to be an overnight thing."
If you would like to help call Jenny on 07894 571209 or e-mail stamfordsk8park@yahoo.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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