Skate Park Demo This Saturday

SKATEBOARDERS in Llanelli are to stage a rally this weekend as they prepare to fight to save the town’s skate park.

The county council has removed three ramps from the People’s Park facility, pointing to health and safety concerns after a young boy fell and cut his head open on September 5.

Fears over its future have escalated because the authority cannot confirm if the equipment will be replaced — stating that appropriate funding must first be found.

Skateboarders plan to stage the peaceful demonstration in the town centre at noon on Saturday, before skating to Ty Elwyn.

Organiser and skater David Darkin warned that the removal of equipment from the park may steer people to skate in the town centre instead. He said: “The demonstration has been arranged for two reasons, firstly to show the council the support that the park has, and secondly to give the people of Llanelli an idea of what the town centre could be like without this much loved facility.

“Skaters will skate whether the park is there or not and this could lead to conflict in the town centre that nobody wants.

“As a skater myself, I have enjoyed using the park and fear that the council’s most recent move could be a step towards getting rid of the skate park.

“The demonstration on Saturday isn’t just for skaters, it’s for everyone in Llanelli. Afterwards I’ll be looking to form a committee to preserve and improve the skate park.”

Through the committee, skaters would be able to apply for funding for new ramps, said Mr Darkin, urging anyone interested to contact him.

The council’s assistant grounds maintenance manager, Gerwyn Thomas, said: “The skate park is a popular facility and we are doing all we can to replace the three pieces of equipment which had to be removed for health and safety reasons through general wear and tear.

”One of the pieces of equipment is repairable and will be returned as soon as possible. Three pieces of equipment remain at the park.

“Both myself and a grants officer have met with the users of the skate park to explain the situation and they have agreed to offer as much help as possible, including arranging fundraising events, in order to acquire grant funding to provide improved facilities.

“We are actively searching to identify possible sources of funding and further meetings have been arranged with the skateboarders to keep them informed of any progress.”

Contact Mr Darkin at david@darkinarchitects.com