Views not sought on skate park, town councillor claims

Addressing the town council on the issue at this month’s meeting, environment committee member Coun Ros Whittaker said: “I don’t object to the park but I do feel it’s a pity there was not better consultation with residents’ involvement.

“I tried to find out where meetings were taking place, to be there to listen to what was happening as so much gossip was taking place, but it was very difficult to get information even from North Lincolnshire Council.”

There has been “quite considerable” consultation with young people, she added, but for such a massive £170,000 project there has been “ a lack of consultation in general.”

She added: “It’s too late now as it’s all going ahead.”

The meeting heard that some residents living near to the planned park have complained about the proximity, and that the park will be in a “secluded” spot behind the leisure centre, that is not overlooked by anyone.

“A different position within people’s sight on grounds of health and safety might have been better,” said Mrs Whittaker.

She added:”The park is for those aged 18 and under. Parents would like to know what sort of supervision there might be there and so on.”

It was noted that prior to the town council developing plans to introduce a play area at Kings Croft in Epworth, a great deal of consultation was undertaken within the community.

North Lincolnshire Council was asked to comment about the nature of the consultation that took place about the proposed skate park development, but had failed to respond by the time the Epworth Bells went to press.