Mission to get skate and BMX park for Kirkholt

A Kirkholt man is on a mission to get a new skateboard and BMX park for the estate.

Lee Tryer, 47, who lives on the estate with his family, has vowed to fight for a facility, to provide a focus for the young people living there and give them somewhere to go rather than hanging around on the streets.

To that end Mr Tryer along with a group of young people has started a petition which he hopes to present to the Council, he has also made a representation at the Balderstone and Kirkholt area forum asking Councillors to consider a new facility.

He said: “There’s nothing here for the kids. I’ve been here ten years and there has never been anything, they are after solving the problem of kids on the street and this is ideal.”

Mr Tryer, on behalf of the other residents and young people, hopes to organise some funding for the park.

“Something needs doing up here,” he said, “I’m sure the other adults and parents on the estate would agree with me.”

Mr Tryer said he has the backing of his ward’s councillors and the PCSOs who patrol the area. He said: “Everyone is up for the idea.”

“I have promised the kids,” he said, “And I know there is funding.”

He added that those who want to visit a BMX park have to travel to Queen's Park in Heywood. “They shouldn’t have to go off the estate to enjoy themselves,” he concluded.

Kirkholt Councillor Dale Mulgrew has now suggested that a steering group be set up to discuss the proposal.

Councillor Mulgrew, said: “I really want to encourage such an active group of young people to really engage with the council, so we can have positive discussions on how to progress their aspirations for the area.”

“It is really refreshing that they have approached us. Because of this we really must listen. For young people to have taken this step means they have the backing of their community, and potentially this could be an amenity that would enhance the youth activities offer for the area.”