Young Skaters’ Idea Launches

In January, two young people took the initiative of attending the Tas Valley Neighbourhood Forum with the aim of gaining support for much needed improvements to existing skateboard equipment. At 3.30pm on Tuesday 28 October, their plan becomes a reality with the opening of the new facilities they had dreamed of.

Back in January, the youngsters, who also went to the trouble of sketching out a plan of the equipment they hoped for, were accompanied on their quest to the Neighbourhood Forum by their local Police Community Support Officer, Liz Ely. PCSO Ely was keen to help them find a safe place to meet, skateboard and cycle and the Forum was asked to give their support in replacing the old skateboard ramps on the recreation ground in Long Stratton.

Cllr Hedley Smith, Chairman of the Forum, said at the time:

“The young people’s initiative was really impressive. We will be very pleased to work with them to help get this ambitious project moving.”

Sure enough, as a result of all involved working closely with Long Stratton Parish Council, sufficient funding has been found, allowing the dream to become a reality. The amount needed, £52,062, came out of Long Stratton Parish Council’s 106 Agreement with developers who, as a planning permission requirement, committed a sum of money for the Parish Council to allocate towards community projects just such as this.

Cllr Smith commented, “This excellent new facility is a great example to all youngsters of what can be achieved when they become involved.”

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