EALING Council has plans to build a a so-called skate park in Elthorne Park, opposite the children's play area.
The council consulted local schools about the need for a skate park, and rightly so - there is demand for such a facility.
However, the proposed location is completely wrong and poorly thought out.
The current location is oudoors, will be an eyesore and will require floodlights, which will affect local wildlife.
It is unsafe as there will not be 24-hour supervision.
All that aside, the main concern is that gangs and hoodies will be attracted to the area. Ealing Council is giving gangs the green card to accumulate and indulge in anti-social behaviour!
Twenty years ago Elthorne Park was home to graffiti and other types of anti-social beahviour.
Today it is a pleasant and attractive family park.
In order for a skate park to be a success and be truly available to skaters it requires an indoor venue where there is controlled and super-vised access, with on-site toilets and a medical team.
I think it is great that Ealing wish to provide facilities for the youth, but they must do it properly and safely for the skaters and the immediate community.
SIOBHAN PREVOST
By email
