COUNCIL SEEKS SKATE PARK VIEWS

Following its recent decision to investigate upgrading skate parks to provide new facilities in all three major towns, Thanet District Council will be seeking the views of local people.
The council’s Cabinet gave its backing to look into skate park upgrading on 23 August, following requests from local skateboarders and a petition to Full Council on 12 July.
Nic Powley, the UK Skate Association’s Chairman, will be helping out during the launch of the consultation period, that will see the launch of three focus groups – one each for Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate.
The focus groups will be specifically aimed at people who take part in the various skate disciplines, including skateboarding and BMX riding. Residents who live near skate parks will also be asked for their views in separate meetings to be arranged soon.
Each focus group will be held at key skate locations around Thanet, enabling skate park users to meet and discuss proposals in an appropriate and informal environment.
The focus group meetings will form the start of the ongoing consultation process, designed to ensure that the council delivers what skate parks users need and making sure the plans work for the wider community as well.  
The council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Iris Johnston, said: “If we’re to invest in the future of Thanet’s skate parks, we have to make sure that we’re providing the right facilities for the right users. And that’s why we’re committed to a thorough consultation process and have called upon the assistance of the UK Skate Association.
“By involving skate park users and local residents, we can gain an invaluable insight that will influence our decision-making process.”
The focus group meetings will take place at the following locations: Monday 17 September, Broadstairs Memorial Recreation Ground tennis courts, 6pm; Tuesday 18 September, Hartsdown Park skate park, Margate, 6pm; Wednesday 19 September, Warre Recreation Ground skate park, Ramsgate, 6pm.