New Bath Skatepark One Step Closer

A local mother’s mission to landscape a skateboard park in unused land near her home could move a step closer thanks to the council’s Neighbourhood Plan scheme funded by central government.

The scheme enables local people to gain control over development, facilities and other resident-led amenities in their area.

Joanna Wright, whose two boys have no local facilities set aside for outdoor skating, has approached local councillors who walked the walk with her and confirmed that there is ample space by the river at Lambridge off the London Road to landscape a park with Roman and Georgian features to reflect its local heritage.

She said: ‘The Neighbourhod Plan is a great way to let communities tell the local authorities what residents actually want where they live. On the east of Bath, many residents want a skatepark and better sports facilities for the whole community. This is a great way forward.”

Cllr Bevan added: “There are now two major ways for local people to influence development in their communities, and the Neighbourhood Plan along with Placemaking Plans can give their needs and aspirations meaning, now and crucially for future generations.“

Joanna Wright’s ideas for a skatepark were featured in the local news magazine The Local Look in its December 2012 edition. She also plans to address all 65 local councillors at a meeting of Full Council in the Guildhall, Bath this spring. She will also hand in a petition calling for the skatepark to become a reality.

Ian Bell of Maverick Industries has designed the park along the lines that residents need and is responsible for the succesfully managed and used skateboard park in Midsomer Norton.

Cllr Bevan hopes that as many local residents as possible will come along to the Bath City Conference in the Guildhall from 2 – 8 pm on Wednesday 1st May at which they will be able to learn about both schemes and choose which one best suits their community.