Local councillors in the South Hams have caused an outcry among young people after they decided to close and dismantle a skate park in Kingsbridge.
The council says the results of an independent study showed the noise from skateboards posed a sound nuisance.
But skaters who helped raise money to build the park three years ago have staged a protest against the park's closure.
The peaceful demonstration was organised by Kids with Commitment, a group of enthusiastic skaters and skateboarders who campaigned and raised thousands of pounds towards the purpose-built skatepark. The park was fenced off and officially closed on Tuesday 15th June 2004, leaving youngsters with the problem of where they can skate.
 | | Youngsters protest about the closure of their skate park. |
A by-law to outlaw skating on Kingsbridge Quay was introduced when the park opened in 2001. Police in Kingsbridge say they are preparing for many of the skateboarders to return to the streets and town centre. Kids with Commitment has written to ask the help of the Duke of York, who described the project as 'exemplary' when he officially opened the park .
Spokesman Bob Howson said: "There have been a lot of complaints, but they're from a small minority of residents. "We've tried to reduce the noise. We've carried out curious tests and even tried putting foam on the skateboards. "Unfortunately it made them dangerous, because the wheels wouldn't turn properly." Bewilderment The skatepark was closed for a period last year and the council installed an acoustic barrier in an attempt to reduce the noise from the concrete park. One councillor said the rug was being pulled from under the young people's feet. Mr Howson said it was a 'sad situation' when a recreational facility in a recreational area is closed down. "I completely understand that people need peace and quiet, but I live near the park and the noise is no worse than lorries and everyday traffic - that's modern life. "These young people are gathering on Wednesday to show their anger, sadness and bewilderment at the council's decision." The group says the reason for the protest is to focus councillors' minds on how the closure of the park will affect the young people and to find an alternative site. Council spokesman John Tucker said the council is looking very hard to find a suitable site in a location the young people can reach.
First published: 17th June 2004 | 
