Have your say on plans for new Weymouth all abilities skatepark
An online consultation is being held for The Alternative Sports Facility at The Marsh
There could be a new bespoke skatepark and parkour area coming to the Marsh in Weymouth.
Designs have been released by Maverick, boasting pictures of a 40.7M x 22.6M Alternative Sports Facility.
CCTV has been included in the plans to ensure young people are kept safe.
Weymouth's Westham East Councillor Alex Fuhrmann is backing the new skatepark for the town:
"We've already spoken to community safety officers and engaged with Weymouth & Portland police officers and come up with a plan that we can install CCTV.
"Not that Big Brother is watching but it is good to have an eye on teens, they are wild, they are rebellious because you know that's what teens are supposed to do.
"There will be ducting, which is tunnels for the cables if we want to put lighting there. And I would like to see that for people that want to be there later in the evening in the winter months."
Anti-social behaviour has been the subject of most of the feedback so far, which Cllr Furhmann said is frustrating:
"We have had some negative feedback around "is it a magnet for anti-social behaviour", yeah there are the exception of teenagers.
"But, at no point do I think it's acceptable to punish the rest of them that do want to go out and ride skateboards and BMX's and do those positive activities.
"Lets take back ownership of the marsh and do something about it, lets bring back families and those that want to spend days out there."
HAVE YOUR SAY
Weymouth Town Council is holding an online consultation about the facility. They want to hear from locals and users about the plans.
The idea is to create a community space with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, that encourages all ages and abilities to get involved.
Questions on the consultation include thoughts on the proposed design, what would you change or remove and if there is anything missing.
Potential users are asked what they ride, how often they would use the facility and how experienced a rider the user is.
Cllr Furhmann added:
"Most of the feedback is not kind as people are passionate about the design, we are working with Maverick to ensure that we've got something that matches what local people want, we're not going to get it perfect, but we'll make sure we get something is good and that will be suitable."
Here you can see more about the current plans and have your say.