Skateboarders supported by Lib Dem Councillors (Norwich Liberal Democrats Online)

Norwich Liberal Democrats Online <info@norwichlibdems.org.uk>

Skateboarders supported by Lib Dem Councillors

September 8, 2006 1:48 PM

Senior Liberal Democrat Councillors have supported young people angry over the delay in building a new Skatepark for the City of Norwich. Problems with the ruling Labour Group's handling of the Council's Capital Budget appear to be responsible for the delay.

The skateboarders' demonstration took place outside City Hall on 6th September, and Councillors Cooke, Lubbock and Lowe were present. Skateboarders were exercising their democratic right to demonstrate and lobby their councillors on the delay in building the Skatepark, which is planned for Eaton Park in the south-west of the City.

The Skatepark project was initiated by the Liberal Democrats when they ran the Council prior to May 2006. The delay in building it comes after many months of hard work and commitment from the young people themselves who have been heavily involved in the project.

Cllr Hereward Cooke - elected as the new Leader of of the Lib Dem Group on Tuesday of this week - called and chaired the first meeting of BMXers, skateboarders and roller bladers 2 years ago, to set up a working party of officers and practitioners. He said today that the scheme had benefited enormously from their advice.

The delay itself is caused by insufficient funds in the Capital Budget. The Liberal Democrats had intended the Capital Budget to be financed by the sale of Council owned land at Bowthorpe, but this has been delayed by the new Labour administration.

Cllr Judith Lubbock said: 'Young people need opportunities for sport and leisure and to feel part of a community. This skate park will be up to national standards and could be used for a range of competitions including perhaps in the 2012 Olympic year. We are very concerned that it has been delayed.'

The Capital Budget will come before Council on September 26th. at 7.30pm in the City Hall Council Chamber. All members of the public - skaters or not - are welcome to attend and hear the debate.