Fight to save skatepark continues

9:23am Sunday 18th May 2008

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A SKATEBOARDER has said he will fight to save a historic 1970s skatepark after plans to build on it were approved on Wednesday.

Harrow Council wants to replace Harrow Leisure Centre, in Christchurch Avenue, with a new, smaller building and has chosen Harrow Skatepark as the site on which to build.

Adam Sutcliffe, 23, of Headstone Lane, said he plans to take the battle to Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, who can intervene in planning matters.

He said: "The whole point of the project was about the council wanting to promote sport in the borough, but they're shooting themselves in the foot by getting rid of the skatepark."

Skaters say its handmade concrete ramps and bowls are part of the sport's history and are no longer built.

The council has offered to construct a replacement, in Byron Park, but members of Harrow Skatepark Users' Group say the £300,000 budget will not be enough.

A planning application for the new leisure centre has been approved by the council along with separate proposals for the location of the replacement skatepark.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton, responsible for planning at the council, said: "I'm satisfied beyond any doubt that the leisure centre will be very much loved and will be a landmark building with views of the park that everyone can enjoy."

"I appreciate there will be winners and losers but we have to have a balance."

The council is legally obliged to consult with Sport England, a public organisation which advises local authorities on planning applications, on both projects.

If the group objects to the location of the new skatepark, the plans could still be blocked by the Government.