A PLEA for patience has been made to supporters of the proposed skatepark for Bordon who feel disappointed with the delay to the project resulting from a survey of residents.
As reported in last week's Herald, a survey carried out near the proposed site in Jubilee Park showed that a number of residents were very concerned.
A total of 52 questionnaires were sent out by the town council and the council received 21 replies - seven in favour and 14 against.
Some residents have launched a petition against the proposals, fearing that the facility would attract under-age drinking and drug taking to the area, as well as causing noise.
Last week the council set up a mini-committee to examine other possible sites for a skatepark, including the recreation ground next to Mill Chase School.
However this week town councillor Ian Dowdle, who was involved in designing the project, was keen to assure supporters that the town council was not abandoning the plan.
He said: "A period of consultation was carried out which revealed that residents were concerned about the skatepark being at Jubilee Park.
"It is their democratic right to be concerned and I am glad that they did speak up for themselves, because that is the democratic society that we live in.
"The town council is looking at other sites for the park and once they have been assessed, it will be reported back at the council meeting.
"It might take a little longer than some people might have hoped but we will get there in the end, I am sure."
Mr Dowdle was also concerned about some residents' perspectives that Bordon's young people are trouble makers, and he supported the view expressed by town mayor Neil Ockenden last week that the majority of the town's teenagers cause no trouble at all.
He said: "I know that some people feel intimidated by large groups of children who are hanging around. I would be too, if I didn't know them, but I know that they are all great people.
"I have been speaking to the police recently who have told me that drink and drugs is not a serious problem in Bordon.
"However, if anyone does see anyone taking part in under-age drinking or taking of drugs then they should contact the proper authority, which in this case is the police.
"Hopefully that should hit the nail on the head."
The town councillor said that the young people were simply looking for something to do and that a skatepark would be ideal.
He said: "Times obviously change and when children get to a certain age they don't want to know about slides and swings.
"We are simply going to provide them with the framework for their activities and they will have to provide the materials and that is what they are willing to do."