FUND-RAISERS trying to build a skate park in Ulverston have appealed against a decision that dashed the hopes of hundreds of youngsters, reports Zoe Casson.

South Lakeland District Council's planning committee rejected an outline planning application to build a BMX, roller blade and skate park at Ford Park in September last year.

After hearing impassioned pleas from skate park opponents, the majority of councillors argued that the skate park represented an unacceptable visual intrusion and was un-neighbourly.

Ford Park Community Group, whose application was supported by a petition of 1,165 signatories, has appealed against the decision.

The appeal will be dealt with as a written representation by a Secretary of State-appointed inspector. It was lodged on March 6 and a decision is expected within four months.

Centre and development manager at Ford Park, Jackie Blackburn, is confident the appeal will be successful. She said: "There are a number of things that we are not happy with. One of them is that a covering letter written by us was not read out at the planning meeting before a decision was made. If it had been it would have answered many of the locals' concerns about the skate park as it included details of security and how it would be managed."

SLDC received 15 letters of objection from neighbouring residents together with a petition of 19 names.

Seven residents spoke up at the September meeting, raising concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour from youngsters already congregating on the park, the impact on residents of nearby St Mary's Hospice and health and safety concerns for children.

Ms Blackburn said the support for the skate park was overwhelming. "The skate park came within the top ten things wanted for the town in a survey and there was only a small number of objectors. At the moment skateboarders in the town are just moved on from place to place and they need somewhere to go.

"They have been so keen for it to go ahead they have even got involved in the fundraising by doing sponsored walks and litter picks."

Extensive research has also been carried out by the group to minimise noise. "We plan to have sunken bowl concrete for the skateboard park as it has good sound properties and low maintenance. There will also be grassy areas surrounding it so it won't be an eyesore," said Ms Blackburn.

April 24, 2003 15:00