A MISUNDERSTANDING has been blamed for fears that a design rejected by skateboarders was to be used at BordonÕs skateboard park.
A design, which had an ÒLÓ shaped piece in the corner of the equipment, was discussed in a closed session of Whitehill Town Council recently, but the Skatepark Users Group, who did not attend the meeting, were not happy with the design.
The group opposed the design for fears over the safety and technical quality of the equipment and the lack of functional and practical use that could be achieved by skateboarders.
In a letter to the town council Ian Dowdle, who led the Skatepark Users Group, urged the council not to proceed with the design.
ÒThe Skatepark Users Group recognises the work done to complete this design. However, the opinion has been expressed that it simply would not be used in this format and would therefore be a waste of money,Ó the letter said.
On Monday town clerk Linda Tiley reminded councillors that there were two designs which had been discussed by the council, one of which was the design with the ÒLÓ shaped piece in the corner of the equipment while the other was fitted with barriers.
ÒThere appears to be some confusion,Ó she said.
ÒThe reaction (from the users group) is referring to this design here which has the ÒLÓ shape in the corner rather than the one we looked at with the barriers. There is one like that (the ÔLÕ shaped design) in the area. It went in four years ago and it is not used now.Ó
Zoya Faddy proposed that the council seek the views of RoSPA, Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents, and the councilÕs insurers on the second design, which was fitted with barriers, before proceeding with it.
ÒI think this would be a very wise move,Ó she said.
ÒIt is costing a lot of money and we want it to last.Ó
She added: ÒMy only concern is how quick can they do it? We have had to have delays for various reasons out of our control and we donÕt want to delay it further.Ó
Mrs Tiley told councillors that the lease had not yet been received by the council and therefore there was time to consult RoSPA.
Members agreed to seek the views of RoSPA and the councilÕs insurers on the proposed design.