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Skatepark idea could be spiked after two years in development
Plans for a £60,000 skateboard, bmx and scooter park at Salt Way Field in Middleleaze could be turned down if objections by residents living near
the site are supported by Swindon Council planning officers.
The project has been developed proposal in late March. “We are not
over the last two years after a group fundamentally against a skateboard
of young people approached Shaw park but object to the location which
councillor Nick Martin. They were is so clearly unsuitable. Nobody has
involved in the designs which were been to our road to tell us about
presented to the West Swindon Fo- the plan.
rum in July 2012. “Coun Martin claims the nearest
Residents living in Spencer Close, houses are 200 metres away, but some
The Prinnels, on the other side of are just across the road.”
Tewkesbury Way which runs between Coun Martin responded: “I was
Salt Way Field and the nearest housing lobbied about a skatepark by a group
have objected to the plan. of young people from Lydiard Park
Residents’ spokesman Peter Corrie Academy about two years ago and From the August 2012 Link, showing off design options, from left, Nick Martin
said his neighbours only heard of the the parks department officers agreed with Liam Dobson, Aaron Calver, and Dan Sharp, Olly Morton and Wendy Davies
of Bendcrete Skateparks
Spencer Close residents at the Salt Way Field site Salt Way Field was a suitable location. also been very patient.”
A multi-use games area sponsored by Fellow West Swindon Forum
John Lewis opened there in 2011 and member Coun Steve Wakefield said
I’m not aware of problems. the skatepark had been discussed
“Spencer Close is opposite it, on openly. “Last summer young people
the other side of two thick hedges made a very convincing case for one
and Tewkesbury Way which masks to be built at Salt Way Field.”
any noise. With three or four feature Planning officers have delegated
items the skate park is smaller than powers to decide whether the ap-
the one at Haydon Wick and much plication can go ahead without going
smaller than that at the Oasis. before a committee. They have called
“The young people have been very for a noise assessment to be made
responsible in their discussions with and asked the police to comment on
the officers. Considering the slow the impact.
speed at which things move, they’ve See full story: www.bit.ly/mleazeskate

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