Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, was last weekend accompanied by South East Holderness Ward Councillor Lyn Healing, and Withernsea Mayor, Councillor Dave Edwards to inspect the skatepark in Withernsea after concerns were raised with him by a resident about its poor condition.
The Withernsea MP arranged the visit after reading a ‘Letter to the Editor’ in the Holderness Gazette, which argued that improvements should be made to the park.
The concrete ramps are vandalised and under them are beer bottles, crisp packets, empty plastic containers and an array of sharp objects.
The skatepark was created by Withernsea and Holderness Play Action Group, a charity established by the late mayor of Withernsea, Keith Hardcastle, who worked to bring outdoor and leisure opportunities for young people in Withernsea. With no-one to lead the charity, responsibility for the skatepark’s maintenance has been inherited by Withernsea Town Council.
At the site visit, Graham was disappointed to see the overgrown nature of the site and that because of its relative isolation the site has become a venue for underage drinking and occasional drug use.
Cllr Lyn Healing commented, “I was very disappointed in the appearance of the skatepark, particularly the amount of rubbish that is there. I will be speaking to Withernsea Town Council, East Riding Council and Active Withernsea to see if there is a possibility of working together to repair and maintain the park once more.
“I am aware that the park is still used for skateboarding and after speaking to frequent visitors they would very much like to see it brought back up to specification”
Since his visit, Graham has written to the Minister for Civil Society, Baroness Barran, to see if funding from central government is available to have the park restored.
Graham added, “It’s sad to see a park with so much potential falling into disrepair. I will do what I can to help the town find the money to have it restored.
“That’s easier said than done, of course – there has to be funding available to keep the park maintained and this is something I’ll be looking into along with making sure that there’s political will. From speaking with Cllrs Healing and Edwards today, it’s clear that the will’s there.”
Cllr Dave Edwards said, “It’s because it’s so secluded, that’s the problem. If we pretend the area doesn’t exist and leave it to be abandoned, then naturally its facilities will be abused for purposes for which they weren’t intended.”
