Boarders have some skate expectations

14 May 2008

Peterborough Evening Telegraph

A YEAR after the city's premier skatepark closed, a campaign has been mounted to re-establish a top-class skateboarding and BMX facility in Peterborough.

A warehouse on the Towermead Business Park, in High Street, Old Fletton, was home to Y2SK8 until April 2007, when it was closed prior to the start of building work on a 101-home estate.

Since then, youngsters have had to travel as far as Corby or Skegness in pursuit of an indoor skating venue.

However, after launching an online petition earlier this year, 257 people have already pledged their support for a new skate plaza in Peterborough.

One signatory implored: "Y2Sk8 was amazing, easy and cheap to get to. The only places now are either outside - so only good in summer - or are miles away.

"Please build a new one in Peterborough."

Another message said: "It will be a key step if Peterborough wants to expand, and if done correctly could house national and international events.

"It would keep kids off the street, and opens up the possibility of them making new friends."

Following the closure of Y2SK8, it was hoped that the skatepark facilities would be located elsewhere.

However, Peterborough City Council approved a request from Persimmon Homes last year to remove a planning condition, which stated planning permission would not be granted until the skatepark had been successfully relocated.

Despite the ruling, the developer Persimmon Homes has pledged to stick to an obligation made in 2004 to contribute £120,000 towards the cost of relocation in the future.

The council's recreation manager Louise Wilcox said the authority is working on plans to develop an outdoor skate park near to the existing BMX track at the rear of Eyrescroft Primary School, in Bretton.

She said: "We have been reviewing the city's skate park facilities for some time, and realise there is now a heightened interest in such facilities following the closure of Y2SK8 in Fletton.

"During the school half-term holidays at the end of May, the city council plans to consult with young people on three separate proposals for the Bretton skate park.

"The council is keen to talk to young people and involve them in the process so a facility which all ages can benefit from can be provided.

"Skate parks are good facilities for young people, and there is a real need for such facilities in Peterborough."

To view or add to the online petition, visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/peterboroughplaza/