Queues "out the door" for second public debate on Oakham Skatepark plans

Residents for and against plans to build a skatepark on Centenary Field in Oakham were queuing out the door to raise their thoughts at ROL House last night.

Those opposing the proposal were mainly concerned over noise and existing antisocial behaviour, arguing it would create a disturbance to nearby residents and care homes.

Though, at the second public consultation last night, there seemed just as much support for the plans to go ahead - with local parents and children thinking it would provide a positive space for young kids.

READ MORE: Controversial plans over new Oakham skatepark set for second public drop-in

A solution, not a problem

Supporters argued that 'all the evidence' suggests skateparks actually lesson antisocial behaviour and help reduce crime.

Jon Dixon, who's been leading the Oakham Skatepark Project team for over two years, said:

'People hear the word skatepark and just immediately think of antisocial behaviour and it just simply isn't the case, and this is one of the things we are finding we're having to fight against. But I think the word did get around tonight that, actually, evidence states the opposite.'

Local parent, Chris, said:

'Social media seems to have spun this into a special little crime haven. Children want to skate, the noise will be tiny little tracks on concrete that're quiet, the sound of children laughing - there may be some tinny little Bluetooth speakers.'

Jonny Mac, who's been skating for over 20 years, said:

'Skating teaches you about self-determination, confidence and resilience, it teaches you about pacing and taking your time. It also teaches you about tolerating others and understanding others. A skatepark can bring a lot of different cultures together; you can accept people for who they are.'

Talk of the town

Oakham Town Council member Zoe Nealson, who's also the lead of the Skatepark Working Group Project, said she'd never seen so many people present at a public consultation:

'It's been amazing, I have never seen council chambers have quite so many bodies inside of it, we had to shuffle everybody into the room twice and still there were people queueing out of the door'.

'It was great to see so many people invested, either positively or negatively. But knowing they could come here and have their say is a really important thing.'

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