Appeal to landowners to resolve skate park row (From Bucks Free Press)

Appeal to landowners to resolve Flackwell Heath skate park row

3:19pm Monday 4th February 2013 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

AN urgent appeal has been issued to landowners to help solve the Flackwell Heath skate park controversy.

The skate ramps at the Recreation Ground are set to be removed after February 24, but Flackwell Heath Residents’ Association [FHRA] is desperately trying to find an alternative site before the equipment is taken out.

More than 1,000 villagers have signed petitions calling for the existing youth facilities to be saved, but Chepping Wycombe Parish Council says the ramps are too close to residents’ houses, so do not meet the relevant noise guidelines.

FHRA said in a statement: "We strongly believe there should be no break in provision of facilities for children and young people.

"We know it is a well-used facility and urgently call for any interested landowners to get in touch. A skate park/BMX facility must be an asset to the village, enhance village life and importantly be future-proof in design, content and location."

But mum-of-two Natalie Allen, who has campaigned for the Straight Bit Rec's ramps to be saved, said: "It's nice of them to say they're looking but I can't see it happening.

"There might be places on the outskirts of the village but the Rec is in the centre, which is what makes it so attractive to families. They are handing us an olive branch without anything on it."

The ramps were initially due to be removed from the Rec last summer, but the council has twice agreed to delay the move while alternatives are explored.

A neighbour of the Rec, who asked not to be named, told the Bucks Free Press: "A decision was made a long time ago that the site was inappropriate and the facilities needed to be removed. All these delays are not particularly helpful."

Any new site would need to be bigger than 15 x 25 metres, and at least 50 metres away from residential boundaries.

Landowners willing to sell or lease their land are urged to contact the parish council on 01494 814600 or email clerk.cwpc@btconnect.com

Comments are closed on this article.