Local activist and skater Mike Marsh started a campaign recently to make much needed refurbishments to the skate park near Ocean Plaza. Local Labour Councillor Sean Halsall along with Cabinet Member Cllr Ian Moncur have delivered on the much-needed investment.
Cllr Halsall said “Investment in these spaces are absolutely welcomed, the towns young people need spaces to socialise and engage in sports in a safe environment. Its positive that despite the crippling cuts delivered by this and previous governments Sefton Council are still able to make sure money is invested in spaces like this for our community. It’s sad that on these issues our towns conservative MP is silent. Regardless of party political lines our first thoughts should be how we improve our town and best represent the people who live here.”
The local skate park users have been proactive in litter picking and keeping the area as clean and tidy as possible in preparation for the work to commence.
Cllr Halsall commented “It is also positive to see how proactive the skaters have been at self-policing and keeping the area clean and tidy, they have a real sense of pride in this small community whether they are litter picking or spending their time helping younger people learn how to skate. This is the best of our community, looking after each other and enriching each other’slives.”
Mike Marsh, International Skater and activist for the park said “The skatepark means the world to me and so many other, if it wasn’t for Southport skatepark I wouldn’t be where I am now with the most amazingmemories and most amazing friends, with a bright future. We are part of the best community we could ever wish for where we all can concentrate on something productive. To some people it’s the only place they can go where they feel comfortable and welcome and that’s such an amazing part of the skatepark, where it doesn’t matter what you dress like, look like, religion you are or where you’re from, if you’re interested in any sport there and come down you are instantly part of the community and welcomed with open arms, The amount of help we have received of Sean Halsall from the outset has been amazing and we all really appreciate it and to think you reached out us makes us all appreciate it even more. The amount of help we have got of the public has been amazing so thank you everyone as well who signed, shared, commented and liked we really do appreciate it from everyone at the skatepark”
Cllr Ian Moncur Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said “Southport Skate Park is an important facility and this Labour council continues to invest in this much-loved community asset. Our skate park is made up of 4 professional structures of a specialist construction and shaping, and of course since they were installed wear and tear has inevitably occurred which means that they will need to be replaced.”
“We have already ordered four new ramp structures and while we await delivery and installation of these, we have temporarily closed the park to ensure no one is hurt. We expect all the work to be completed in January, usually the quietest time of the year for the skate park, meaning less disruption for users. I would also like to thank all the users who help by volunteering and organising litter picking on and around the site, their efforts are much appreciated”
The investment in the park of around £20k shows a clear commitment that Sefton’s Labour Group recognise that investment in spaces for all residents is important regardless of the governments clear lack of support to local authorities.
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