Fresh search launched for skatepark site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A FRESH search has been launched to find a suitable site for a new skate park in Portishead.

Representatives from the Portishead Skatepark Project (PSP) are to meet council  chiefs this week to discuss possible alternative sites in the town for the new skating and BMX facility.

The move comes after plans to site the skate park on land at the Lake Grounds were rejected by councillors.

It was hoped to site the new skate and BMX park on an area of land behind the childrens' play area between the Lakeside Cafe and the boathouse.

North Somerset Council's north area planning committee threw out the application last month after claiming the Lake Grounds - described as the jewel in Portishead's crown - was the wrong location for the skate park.

They said it would lead to an increase in anti social behaviour at the beauty spot which is already a night time haunt for teenage drinkers.

Councillors said although they supported the idea of a new skate park, it had to be in a different location.

PSP bosses have spent the last three years searching for a site for the facility, which would cost an estimated £200,000, and have considered 16 different locations.

North Somerset Council is now suggesting a piece of land at Bristol Road, which is currently leased to Portishead Football Club.

A BMX track already exists on the site, but over the years has hardly been used and has become overgrown.

Portishead Skatepark Project chairman, Tony Mosely, said the group would work with the council to continue in its efforts to secure a site for a new skate park.

And he confirmed that if no new site was forthcoming, the group would consider appealing against the decision to reject the Lake Grounds as a site.

Mr Mosely said: "Our number one priority is to find a site for this new skate park.

"We still believe that the Lake Grounds is the right place for this facility and if no other suitable site is forthcoming, we would consider appealing against the council's decision to refuse the application.

"We will continue to work with the council to find a suitable site and are not going to give up on this project.

"The young people in the town have little to do and a new skate park is badly needed."

Portishead Town Council chairman, Councillor David Pasley, said: "We are meeting to discuss potential sites with the skate park group.

"We will suggest sites that we own and hope to work with the group to bring this project to a successful conclusion.

"The council feels there is a need for another skate park in the town, but it is a question of finding a suitable location that will not cause problems for the local community."

A small skate park was opened at Merlin Park in 2003 at a cost of £12,500, but as the popularity of the sport has soared so has the need for a bigger facility.