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Irthlingborough skatepark joy for town group
Youngsters who have been fundraising for two years to build a new skatepark are a step closer to seeing their dream come true.
Irthlingborough's Ramps4All group has won planning permission from East Northamptonshire Council to build an 80,000 facility in the central recreation ground in Scarborough Street – despite concerns from some councillors.
Among those was Cllr Brian Northall, who feared the concrete skatepark area and bowl would be unsafe, generate anti-social behaviour and parking problems.
He said: "All the skateboarders I've spoken to said they wouldn't want a concrete bowl because of injuries – they would rather have a wooden ramp.
"I also have serious reservations about putting it there.
"The last skate ramp was burned down by vandals and there are no firm tracks for disabled people or the emergency services to reach the site."
But other committee members felt the plans should go ahead.
Cllr Anna Sauntson said: "This has my 100 per cent support. I think we should support the young people if they want this.
"We should find a way to overcome the concerns which have been raised and move forward with this."
Cllr Sarah Peacock added: "We have concerns wherever we put these things and you can always find fault with them. But we need to encourage these young people who are working to provide it themselves."
The plan was supported by Irthlingborough Partnership Board, a petition signed by about 360 people and met with no objection from the police or the highways authority.
Ramps4All has so far raised 3,500 towards the project, secured a 25,000 grant from Irthlingborough Town Council and hopes to get the rest of the money from funding organisations now it has planning permission.
The scheme was given permission on the understanding the group would show the council evidence the park meets new British standard regulations for skateparks before opening.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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