Councillors urged to back skateboard park extension

Calderdale councillors will discuss a scheme to extend the skate park in Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge, when they meet on Monday.

The council-owned skate park has proved very popular with young people since it was opened six years ago.

Now Hebden Royd Town Council says it wants to extend and develop the park and is seeking external funding.

But to do that, the town council needs an agreement that if the funding bid were to be successful, Calderdale Council would grant a lease on the skate park.

A report will recommend to Cabinet that if the town Council is successful in its bid, then Calderdale Council should grant a 15-year lease at no cost.

It would mean that the skate park would be extended at no cost to Calderdale Council, although Calderdale would still maintain it.

The report says that the skate park is in danger of becoming a victim of its own success thanks to its runaway popularity.

It says: "The current skate park facility is heavily used for skate boarding, stunt bike riding and in-line skating.

''Demand is so great that users are increasingly unable to access the facility adequately. At peak times there are queues to use individual pieces of equipment and there is some frustration amongst experienced skaters who now require more challenging facilities.

"The project to extend the skate park has been identified as a priority for improving facilities for young people. The local police are very supportive of the facility in terms of giving young people a positive outlet for their energies.

"Concerns have been raised by the local Round Table regarding the impact on the annual bonfire event. The group has been assured that the event will continue to take place although the bonfire site may need relocating a short distance away from the skate park.''

Calderdale Council's leader, Janet Battye, says the council now needs to be looking at ways to maintain and improve public facilities at minimal cost.

She said: "During these difficult times, it's important that we examine every opportunity to work with partner organisations to deliver the best possible services and facilities we can for the people of Calderdale.

"I know that this is well-used by young people in the Hebden Bridge area.

"They have played an active part in designing the extension and applying for the funding so it's important that Calderdale Council does its bit to support them."