At Mayor & Cabinet, the skateboard area around the basketball cage was approved. Both sides spoke admirably and as ward councillors we took the view to support the skateboard area. Below is our joint statement delivered by Cllr Bell tonight:
Everyone understands how controversial this issue is and most people have worked tirelessly to engage with all parts of the community. It has been a long conversation and I’d to thank everyone who has been involved whatever his or her viewpoint. The young people themselves have demonstrated to us all just how successful our future will be when they are the leaders of our community.
The background is of controversy. Straight after being elected, Joan, Dan and myself were thrown into our first assembly meeting in June. At that time, we took the decision to suspend the vote on the Upper Park until more consultation was undertaken and then at a very well attended, Friends of the Park meeting, a working group was formed to work over the Summer. I have to say, SPAG got behind the process after a lot of initial disappointment and the working group reported to the Assembly on 21st September. This recommendation, as you know, was for the area around the basketball court to site a small skate area.
Through out this process we have tried to make sure all voices are heard respectfully, in order to facilitate a solution.
Understandably, the fear of something new can create reservations and while some people have changed their minds on the skate area, legitimate concerns remain and we must all as a community work together to overcome them.
Therefore, Cllr Millbank, Cllr Whittle and myself after receiving many emails, conversations and various meetings would like to record our support for the proposal. I understand and empathise with the residents directly affected, but the council, quite rightly, as a result of the threat of a judicial review completed a thorough noise assessment by an independent expert, which does not include building a concrete wall. This will safeguard the residents directly affected. In-fact the report was written by an expert who normally closes down skateboard parks.
If the Mayor is minded to approve this application, then all three ward councillors will work tirelessly to make sure that the community of all backgrounds will not only respect the area and enjoy the facility but will benefit from it by securing opportunities for social cohesion; something that is so important to Joan, Dan and myself.
We should not miss this opportunity and embrace its benefits for the whole community.
Everyone understands how controversial this issue is and most people have worked tirelessly to engage with all parts of the community. It has been a long conversation and I’d to thank everyone who has been involved whatever his or her viewpoint. The young people themselves have demonstrated to us all just how successful our future will be when they are the leaders of our community.
The background is of controversy. Straight after being elected, Joan, Dan and myself were thrown into our first assembly meeting in June. At that time, we took the decision to suspend the vote on the Upper Park until more consultation was undertaken and then at a very well attended, Friends of the Park meeting, a working group was formed to work over the Summer. I have to say, SPAG got behind the process after a lot of initial disappointment and the working group reported to the Assembly on 21st September. This recommendation, as you know, was for the area around the basketball court to site a small skate area.
Through out this process we have tried to make sure all voices are heard respectfully, in order to facilitate a solution.
Understandably, the fear of something new can create reservations and while some people have changed their minds on the skate area, legitimate concerns remain and we must all as a community work together to overcome them.
Therefore, Cllr Millbank, Cllr Whittle and myself after receiving many emails, conversations and various meetings would like to record our support for the proposal. I understand and empathise with the residents directly affected, but the council, quite rightly, as a result of the threat of a judicial review completed a thorough noise assessment by an independent expert, which does not include building a concrete wall. This will safeguard the residents directly affected. In-fact the report was written by an expert who normally closes down skateboard parks.
If the Mayor is minded to approve this application, then all three ward councillors will work tirelessly to make sure that the community of all backgrounds will not only respect the area and enjoy the facility but will benefit from it by securing opportunities for social cohesion; something that is so important to Joan, Dan and myself.
We should not miss this opportunity and embrace its benefits for the whole community.
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