My comments in support of proposed Thetford Skatepark

I wish to write in support of the proposed Thetford Skatepark application. Planning Ref: 3PL/2013/1108/F

Despite being a representative for the Saxon Ward, located towards the South of Thetford, I feel that this is a project that would benefit all young people in Thetford and those from further afield, and I am therefore pleased to offer it my full support.

It has long been an aspiration of townsfolk to have a skatepark and there have been many attempts to find a desirable location for it. In truth, there is clearly not a perfect location – if it were, then it would have been identified by now.

But, despite being at one extreme of the town, the proposed location is easily accessible and next to Thetford Academy, where the vast majority of beneficiaries of the site will attend for their education. The ability to use this site for skate-boarding, BMX’ing or blading before or after school is an added convenience.  Regarding its location, and comments expressed by some opponents of the proposal, surely the most important views on its accessibility and location are those held by the young people themselves? I am yet to find a young person who has complained to me about the location, they would just be grateful to have a skatepark at all. Young people today are exceptionally mobile, and Thetford is really not that large – so concerns expressed by adults on its location, are somewhat of a red herring.

It was heartening to know that Thetford Academy was strongly supporting the application in this location, recognising that as well as a good standard of education, it is important that young people have the opportunity to exercise, and enjoy something that they feel passionate about, in this case – skateboarding, or bmx’ing or blading. A well-managed site will surely assist with improvements in educational attainment locally?

The fact that the school site has expanded, and includes many dual-use community facilities, such as the multi-use games area is also to the applications advantage. I note that the previous proposals to construct the additional facilities at the Academy received no objection from Croxton Parish Council, or nearby residents, so I would expect support also for this latest addition which surely complements the sporting ‘offer’ available?

Comments received regarding anti-social behaviour etc. are classic ‘nimby’ type comments and probably reveal more about the prejudices of those making them than anything else. Throughout my years as a Youth worker, prior to becoming a Councillor, I always found that the skateboard/bmx’ing fraternity to be predominantly polite and respectful young people who take their hobby/sport very seriously. Young people involved in campaigning for a skatepark have shown determination and patience in their quest, and I hope that their efforts are duly rewarded with the final construction of this facility.

Careful management of the site, in conjunction with users of the facility, by Thetford Town Council, will ensure that the site is well-looked after and incidents of anti-social behaviour are kept to an absolute minimum. I commend this application to you and would urge the Planning Committee to support it.

Yours sincerely,

Councillor Terry Jermy

Norfolk County Councillor – Thetford West Division (including the ‘Ladies Estate area – located opposite the proposed development)

Thetford Town and Breckland District Councillor – Thetford Saxon Ward