Indoor skatepark ruled out by Blackburn with Darwen council (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Indoor skatepark ruled out by Blackburn with Darwen council

2:46pm Tuesday 6th March 2012 in Darwen Photograph of the Author By Jon Livesey, Reporter

PRIME LOCATION Witton Park, Blackburn

PRIME LOCATION Witton Park, Blackburn

COUNCIL bosses in Blackburn with Darwen have ruled out the possibility of creating an indoor skatepark in the borough.

But after rejecting calls for a facility like Manchester’s Lottery-funded Central Skate-park, officers have agreed to look into the feasibility of creating an outdoor skatepark.

And Witton Park has been earmarked as a suitable venue to house a such a facility.

It comes after 124 people signed a petition for an indoor skatepark in Blackburn with Darwen.

A report to the borough’s executive says: “Young people are increasingly looking for alternative recreation activities away from the traditional sports such as football.

“The petitioners state that the popularity of urban sports such as BMX, skateboarding and scooters has risen significantly in recent years.

“It is recognised that young people from Blackburn with Dar-wen are travelling beyond the borough to use these facilities on a regular basis.

“Through a variety of partnerships, the council is making investment in new opportunities for young people, noticeably with the Youth Zone and BSF schools, and Witton Country Park offers an excellent outdoor venue.

“The scope to diversify the sporting offer through these venues needs to be explored.”

Council officers said the provision of an indoor facility was not feasible because there is no funding.

It is hoped an outdoor skatepark at Witton Park would attract more people to the green space, from inside and outside of the borough, and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Comments(15)

louderfasterlonger says...
5:03pm Tue 6 Mar 12

We had an indoor skate park in Blackburn on a Sunday when I was growing up.
It was called Blackburn Precinct !

Report this post »

sammy37 says...
6:04pm Tue 6 Mar 12

Take a look at the facilities at the park in Lytham for BMX, skate area, cafe, kiddies play area all in open space. The mixed number of people here is a credit to Lytham.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:14am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:14am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:15am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:15am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:15am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:15am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:15am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:15am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

adawson40 says...
8:15am Wed 7 Mar 12

Does Blackburn have the weather for children to use an outdoor skate park, why is ther no funding for children to enjoy life. If it is built as an outside activity I can only foresee more visits to Royal Blackburn Hospital and they can not cope very well now.

Report this post »

twenyfirst century says...
1:17pm Wed 7 Mar 12

I am the person who submitted the petition with support from Cellblock, BMX shop and REMIX, clothes shop, both local businesses who are very aware of what young people want in the town that is not currently available.
I have been trying to gain headway into this for 12 months now and have been struggling.I am a nurse working for the Substance misuse sevice in Blackburn so know very little about business or generating funding.I have been in touch with council members, BOOTSTRAP enterprise executives involved with YOUTHZONE and young peoples services as well as the BMX /skateboard community and have tried very hard to instigate the idea into becoming reality.Youth services and sports facilities are widely available in the borough for football, netball, climbing walls and common interests but nothing for this area.The petitions which were raised are due to be heard 8th March, TOMORROW at the town hall at 6pm.However the article published in the evening telegraph 6th march suggests the decision has been made already? I have publicised the meeting as advised so that people would attend to let the council know how important this is for our town.If planned and supported correctly it would regenerate money back into the borough and could be a place for training for young people as an alternative to Anti social behaviour orders, which cost approx.£600 each !!!Alongside BMX and skateboarding the kids do filming, editing these films, advertising...It is a hobby with great potential for them to learn lots of new skills.Other skateparks have competitions held there, events from promotional companies,shops, a cafe ,Available to hire for a "lock in" for parents that can pay for this or the lads club together and rent them out for 4 hours for example and 10 of them pay £6-10 each.The possibilities are endless.People constantly "moan" that young people are hanging around causing trouble in the evenings and yet kids in Blackburn who use the town to skate or BMX are moved on from local parks, pedestrianised areas, carparks etc etc....The weather does not permit an open air skate park unless supervised, flood lit, fenced etc to prevent theft of expensive bikes and camera equipment and personal items.The area around Witton park / green lane / ewood / Mill Hill is a high crime area with a high percentage of anti social behaviour, theft, drug dealing and drug using for teenagers especially.I am going to attend the meeting and present this and would ask that anyone else who feels as strongly as i do join me.I have asked the lads who BMX / SKATE to come and the response is "Why? the council wont do anything""What's the point? we wont get one"
The thing is their views at 12 - 19 years are already formed that there is too much red tape and that funding is placed in the wrong areas.Also in Blackburn lads have been sponsored to "ride" for companies and noone even recognises this as being a strength for our town.Sad.

I am the person who submitted the petition with support from Cellblock, BMX shop and REMIX, clothes shop, both local businesses who are very aware of what young people want in the town that is not currently available. I have been trying to gain headway into this for 12 months now and have been struggling.I am a nurse working for the Substance misuse sevice in Blackburn so know very little about business or generating funding.I have been in touch with council members, BOOTSTRAP enterprise executives involved with YOUTHZONE and young peoples services as well as the BMX /skateboard community and have tried very hard to instigate the idea into becoming reality.Youth services and sports facilities are widely available in the borough for football, netball, climbing walls and common interests but nothing for this area.The petitions which were raised are due to be heard 8th March, TOMORROW at the town hall at 6pm.However the article published in the evening telegraph 6th march suggests the decision has been made already? I have publicised the meeting as advised so that people would attend to let the council know how important this is for our town.If planned and supported correctly it would regenerate money back into the borough and could be a place for training for young people as an alternative to Anti social behaviour orders, which cost approx.£600 each !!!Alongside BMX and skateboarding the kids do filming, editing these films, advertising...It is a hobby with great potential for them to learn lots of new skills.Other skateparks have competitions held there, events from promotional companies,shops, a cafe ,Available to hire for a "lock in" for parents that can pay for this or the lads club together and rent them out for 4 hours for example and 10 of them pay £6-10 each.The possibilities are endless.People constantly "moan" that young people are hanging around causing trouble in the evenings and yet kids in Blackburn who use the town to skate or BMX are moved on from local parks, pedestrianised areas, carparks etc etc....The weather does not permit an open air skate park unless supervised, flood lit, fenced etc to prevent theft of expensive bikes and camera equipment and personal items.The area around Witton park / green lane / ewood / Mill Hill is a high crime area with a high percentage of anti social behaviour, theft, drug dealing and drug using for teenagers especially.I am going to attend the meeting and present this and would ask that anyone else who feels as strongly as i do join me.I have asked the lads who BMX / SKATE to come and the response is "Why? the council wont do anything""What's the point? we wont get one" The thing is their views at 12 - 19 years are already formed that there is too much red tape and that funding is placed in the wrong areas.Also in Blackburn lads have been sponsored to "ride" for companies and noone even recognises this as being a strength for our town.Sad. twenyfirst century

Report this post »

Joanh1 says...
7:44pm Wed 7 Mar 12

I go to Southport regularly they have an outdoor skatepark and BMX ramps people are on the pier watching these young people perform stunts, they are really good to watch, it is their area their space their graffiti on the walls however they do not mess anywhere else and whilst they are on there they are of the streets as in Southport there are signs in the pedestrianised shopping areas stating no roller blades skates.
sorry I cant come and I have not signed your petition but good luck I really hope this get the green light.

Report this post »

twenyfirst century says...
10:29pm Wed 7 Mar 12

Thankyou x

Report this post »

twenyfirst century says...
10:31pm Wed 7 Mar 12

Why is the article available to view on the website under Darwen only ?Surely it should be under Blackburn also ?

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.