Skate park: get moving!
FRUSTRATING delays which have hampered plans for a new skate park in Linlithgow could be nearing an end.
Eight years after local teenagers first appealed for a skate park there is still no planning permission, funding or confirmed location in place.
Campaigners hope to see the park - suitable for skateboarders, roller-bladers and BMX bikers - put on land near to the leisure centre at Kettilstoun Mains, but a formal planning application for the site has never been submitted.
However, Linlithgow Young People's Project, West Lothian Council, community police officers and local youngsters are hoping that a fresh push might bring results in 2009.
Isobel Smith of LYPP, said: ''I'm keen for it to go forward and LYPP is doing everything that it can to complete this project.
''We cannot move forward until the project is adopted by West Lothian Council for its ongoing upkeep. That's the stumbling block at the moment.''
Once the future maintenance is agreed the working group hopes to be in a stronger position to bid for funding from projects such as Sports Scotland and the National Lottery, which is likely to cost in excess of 150,000.
Isobel added: ''It is frustrating, as members of a working group - made up of LYPP, West Lothian Council, councillors, the police and young people - have been working really well together.
''I think having a skate park would make a big difference. The feedback we are getting from young people is that they would use a facility like this.
''We would be sad to see it not happen when there is a need for a facility in the town for the 11-18 year olds.''
West Lothian Council put up an initial 25,000 to assess the proposal when it was first put forward.
Provost Tom Kerr, who was on the working group but stepped down as it might conflict with his role on the planning committee, this week re-iterated that the project had the goodwill of LYPP, the council and himself behind it.
He added: ''If the young people in the town are showing enthusiasm for a skate park then we will certainly have a look at it. The committee has to get a location, approval for that location then find funding for the project.''
A West Lothian Council spokesman said: "We are actively pursuing the required additional revenue funding that will enable the ongoing maintenance of the proposed skate park in Linlithgow. This would then assist working group in progressing with external funding applications."
If you want to join the working group or have any expertise which might help, contact LYPP on 202610.
editorial@journalandgazette.co.uk
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Weather for Linlithgow
Thursday 24 May 2012
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