Cockermouth group determined to realise town skate/ bike park dream

Resident Sarah Stephens was at the recent Annual Parish Meeting in the town hall.

She asked councillors to consider creating a skate/BMX park on publicly-owned land.

A rough straw poll she had conducted indicated that 91 per cent of 350 responses she had received were in favour of this suggestion, councillors heard.

Mrs Stephens suggested part of the Towers Lane Play Park and said other areas had also been put forward.

"If youngsters are not interested in rugby or football or joining a music group I think there's very little for them in town," she said.

"People have been trying to get this developed for 40 years. I feel we are letting down a sector of the town if we are not catering for them."

Cllr Grace Bennion said: "I completely agree. We have nothing for teens or older kids.

"What it really needs is a group of people working together, creating a community group to move things forward.

"They can then bring it to the council, apply for lottery funding."

"There would be much more enthusiasm for developing a working group if people thought the town council was on their side," said Mrs Stephen, who has two daughters.

Sarah Stephens, left, with some of the other bike/ skate park supporters (Image: Supplied)

Cllr Julie Laidlow said the council had looked for a site in 2010/11 but a suitable one was not found.

Neighbours and cost needed to be considered, said Cllr Alan Smith. 

Various other sites were also suggested. These included the rear of Scouts Centre, Old Fire Station and Harris Park.

Cllr Richard Watson expressed support for a skate park on Towers Lane.

People can get there easily and there's lots of space, he said. 

"I think Newbys would not like Towers Lane idea," said resident Jim Hully, who suggested Harris Park.

Mrs Stephens has set up a Facebook group - Cockermouth Bike/Skate Park Supporters. The plan is to meet next month and set up a working group.

After the meeting, she said: "I was pleased there seemed to be a general tone of support. There has to be recognition from the community that if we want these facilities we have to strive to get them. It will mean everyone stepping up and getting involved - on any scale.

"We have lots of nice play parks but all those small children grow and we need to provide something for them. There's nothing which they can do independently. All the other towns around us have the provision.

"At least two generations have been calling for this. We're all encouraged to be outdoors and active, but if we don't provide activities then we are closing off these options.

"We'd like to hear from anyone who can lend a hand.

"Let's make this 40+ year dream a reality!"