More than seven years after hopes of a dedicated skate park for Arbroath evaporated, a group of local skateboarders, inline skaters and BMXers have banded together to call for help in creating one in the town.
Luke Waddilove and Karis Martin, who both turn 16 in the next few weeks, put their case for a skate park as an unscheduled “additional item” at the last meeting of Arbroath Community Council and met chairwoman Patricia Millar and vice-chairman Mike Cosans to survey their favoured location.
The pair have also persuaded local councillors David Fairweather and Peter Nield to back them although neither they nor the community councillors could be tempted to try out Luke’s bike or Karis’ skates.
Luke a successful bowler who plans to join the army said, “There are loads of us in Arbroath who are into BMX bikes, skating and boarding but there’s nowhere to go.
“We go down to the Lidl’s car park and the bit outside the library but, although we’re not causing any trouble, people complain about us and we end up getting moved on by the police.
“We’re getting fed up of it and I think the police are getting fed up moving us on as well, but there’s nowhere to move on to.
“From talking to Mrs Millar and Mr Fairweather we know that a proper skate park is going to cost money and take time but we are prepared to do our bit to raise our share.Whatever it takes”We’ll do whatever it takes sponsored bike and skate displays, picking up litter, even baking and selling cakes if we have to so long as we are taken seriously and helped towards getting a place where we can hang out and not bother anyone.”
Mrs Millar said, “Luke and Karis came into our last meeting and asked if they could address us regarding their desire for a skate park and we were, of course, more than happy to hear what they had to say.
“It’s always pleasing to hear local young people, who are all too often being criticised, coming up with positive ideas to help themselves and the town and this was no exception.
“They presented a very compelling case and made it clear that they would rather have somewhere to go and take part in these healthy activities then do what some of their peers do lounging about and getting involved with drink and so on.
“I remember a number of years ago there was an effort to create an indoor skate park in the town, which we supported, but that unfortunately eventually didn’t proceed.
“I would hope this new plan for an outdoor facility does go ahead and, once again, the community council would be happy to offer whatever practical help and advice we can.”
Mr Fairweather said, “They do seem very determined and I have already spoken to Ron Ashton, our neighbourhood service director, with a view to identifying appropriate potential sites.
“As a council we have been looking to engage with the local business community to come up with a long-term plan for the regeneration of the West Links recreation area so it may well be that a site could be found there for a skate park.”