Controversial plans over new Oakham skatepark set for second public drop-in
The planned skatepark will be around three times the size of the existing site on Cutts Close
A second public drop-in session is being held tonight to discuss plans for a new, bigger skatepark to be built in Oakham.
Those behind the Oakham Skatepark Project say kids deserve a better facility than that located at Cutts Close.
They say Centenary Field is perfect for the new site - as it is local, outdoor and away from an unsafe bypass.
Supporters also state the park would encourage positive outdoor activity and help turn kids away from anti-social behaviour.
'Right idea, wrong execution'
Plans for the proposed new park have come under wide scrutiny from some residents, who have a number of reasons as to why they think Centenary Field is the wrong location.
Local homeowner Alex Clark says he represents hundreds of parents and residents that have concerns over the plans.
He tells us late-night noise would be a problem for some working parents and those in care homes:
'I'm a shift-worker, in a safety-critical role, so speaking for myself it's an area of concern for me but I'm sure that I'm not alone in that.'
With the field being made 'Centenary' in 2018, to mark the anniversary of the end of WWI, those in opposition to the plans say the space is newly protected and should not be built on - arguing the existing structures like the trim trail were added beforehand.
Antisocial behaviour
Mr Clark also says Centenary Field is rife with antisocial behaviour currently, and that building a skatepark in such an area would create safeguarding issues:
'The concern here is around safeguarding the users of the skatepark against influence of people that are distributing drugs, that are taking drugs, that are partaking in antisocial behaviour.'
'That's not to say we are tarnishing all of the skatepark users with that brush, far from that.'
Mr Clark added that the current antisocial behaviour problem is intimidating for him and his neighbours, and nearby care home residents - and that it would need resolving before a new skatepark should even be considered:
'There are youngsters knocking on doors in the early hours of the morning, the residents are inside getting flustered and scared - we do have people that are living in fear because we've had such things happen to them, it's not acceptable.'
Talk of the town
The Oakham skatepark plans have caused a large debate over recent weeks, with members of the public tonight having the opportunity to voice their opinions either in support of, or against the proposal.
Supporters wish to amass enough backing to put a vote to Oakham Town Council, having previously stated that over 80% of Rutland survey respondents were in favour of the idea.
However, those speaking for the opposing residents say the survey was flawed and want a re-count with more options:
'That survey that was conducted by the Oakham Skatepark Project Team was bias towards Centenary Field being the location for the skatepark...'
'...on the actual survey, the only option for it was Centenary Field, so how can we have a survey that actually gives a decent spread of opinion when there's only one option?', Mr Clark added.
Oakham Town Council were contacted for a comment, but no reply was received.
The meeting will be held tonight at ROL House, Long Row, from 5:30pm-7:30pm.