Skaters’ misery as park removed

Skaters in Rochdale who built their own skate park have been left disappointed after it was taken away to make way for a temporary fun fair.

The skate park was constructed on the corner of the disused Homebase site on Drake Street and was deemed “popular” by many of the youngsters who used it.

Skaters say they knew the skate park would never be permanent, but have described the council’s demolition as “ruthless” and “short sighted.”

Skate park user, Sam Mcloughlin said: “We are disappointed that our constructions were ripped down so unceremoniously.”

Mr Mcloughlin referred to a billboard on Drake Street with the words 'Discover Leisure Locally' alongside a picture of a skateboarder – he said the billboard paints the town as a “happening place” yet there is nowhere to skate which is in a central location.

Mr Mcloughlin said: “I want to make it clear I am in no way an elected spokesperson for the many local skaters who no doubt have their own opinions.”

A group is to be formed by skaters with the goal of getting a new skate park built.

Mr Mcloughlin said: “The idea has received moderate support so far but we have to be careful as the authorities have a nasty habit of building unusable, cheap skate parks and then blaming the kids for not using them. Consultation with skaters is essential as is decent funding.
       
“I know Rochdale skaters who have been in contact with the council about getting a park built in the town since the early eighties with no luck.

“Meanwhile lots of other, more forward thinking authorities, have built great skate parks and seen the benefits, such as Runcorn, Macclesfield, Clitheroe and Stoke to name a few.”

Mr Mcloughlin added: “Young people, who might otherwise be involved in anti-social behaviour, often take up skating when there is a park nearby. People who don't enjoy organised or competitive sports often get involved in skateboarding and with the present high number of local skaters there is a real need for somewhere decent to skate.

“Skate parks bring people in to the town. Skaters travel miles to visit good parks - we know, we do - and a skate park would give people a much needed reason to come in to Rochdale and the reputation of the town among younger people would be given a boost.”

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “The council is looking into providing two permanent skatepark facilities in the borough.  One of these will be in Rochdale town centre and we hope to bring this forward early in the New Year.  A meeting was held this week to create a charity to run the town centre site.  If planning applications are required, there will be a public consultation as part of the process.  Regarding the temporary skate facility - it was on private land, which is being leased by the council for use as a car park.  This land is required for additional town centre and train station car parking as part of the Metrolink work.”