Response on Skate Park Letter

Further to Cllr Jim Wedgebury's letter in the Kentish Express (5th August 2010), I decided to test his theories and speak to a number of skateboarders at the skate park on Tannery Lane.

Those of you who didn't see the letter, Councillor Wedgebury implies that he has a great knowledge of skateboarding, apparently gained from YouTube, that is far superior to my own experience.

He then goes on to insinuate that skateboarders simply use designated sites to “train and home” their skills before indulging on dangerous and new sites.

Playing on Dangerous Sites



It is a rather strange response to my letter,, and given that I raised the issues of the danger of alternative sites now that the skate park is closed rather than the skate park directly contributing to this behaviour.

The teenagers were quick to inform me today that they have nowhere else to go and they come to skate at the designated site, because they genuinely enjoy skating. They prefer to do this than at other sites, and while a small minority will always choose to be heedless of the dangers of other areas, the majority simply want their skate park back.

Further to my warning in my letter, the manager of Wreckless informed me that she'd had two boys in with broken bones due to finding other locations which are not elected Skating areas.

Illogic al Strategic Planning



Seeing as I also pointed out the illogical strategic planning of Ashford Borough Council by removing the facilities at the beginning of the summer holidays and the importance of community engagement for all ages, I resent the comment that my argument is both populist and undermines the situation. Ashford Borough Council are quick to promote their “Saved A Million”, the need for community funding and maintenance of facilities, it seems strange they would chose such a time to change the Skate Park.

The Ashford Borough Council Website Is quick to announce that they “co-ordinate the Ashford Youth Forum Trust [to] better understand the needs of young people”.

Perhaps instead of wasting resources on a variety of “strategies” and “websites” for the young people, they should start by actually talking to them.

Gathering Users Opinion




Those present at the skate park today, all teenage males, were quick to point out that when the skate park was closed off they had nothing to do and nowhere to go. Short of spending vast amounts of money travelling to one of the nearby towns where the facilities are present, they have felt victimised without any explanation is why their facilities were withdrawn.

The frequent users of the Skate Park have been informed that they will only be without resources for three months and that the structures were unsafe.

Instead, those on skateboards, BMX's, scooters and rollerblades, have been provided with plywood structures that are full of the splinters, and, it appears, will have to wait until Christmas for any more facilities.

Although, according to Councillor Wedgebury's letter, they may not receive these facilities at all, if people don't vote for the money to be spent on this.

Danger to Local businesses

There is also a lateral effect of the closures skate park facilities.

Instead of being the thriving skate park it once was, a lot of residents have already moved to other towns. As Wreckless business owner Jacqueline said to me today, she has been unable to organise the annual skate competition and is already losing business as the skaters go to other towns.


And Finally

In view of the National government's proposals on Big Society, we can only hope that funding can be found to replace the facilities that have now gone.

Genuine community facilities are integral to the sustainability of any town, whether they serve the old, the young or the elected, they still ought to reflect the needs and desires of that community.



PS: As a disabled person, I am unable to partake in Skateboarding, but am keen to support all physical sports in spite of my inability to perform in them.