By Grimsby skate park under threat of demolition
A skate park in a deprived area of Grimsby is threatened with demolition under a council plan to dispose of the facility.
A report going to Cabinet on Wednesday proposes the disposal of the Kent Street Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and skate park by way of a long lease to a local Community Interest Community (CIC) for a peppercorn rent.
The Corinthians Complex CIC intends to refurbish the site and use it as a permanent venue for Grimsby Futsal, a league that has provided the sport in Grimsby for more than 20 years, “as well as expand to other compatible sports and wellbeing activities”, states the report.
This would save North East Lincolnshire Council around £2,988 a year in maintenance costs.
However the report also says: “The lease will not include the skate park structures which will be subject to demolition, or relocation, to provide a new vehicular access to the site, as the MUGA is currently only accessible via a pedestrian footpath, which is not compliant when operating under Health and Safety grounds.”
It continues: “Corinthians Complex CIC sought interest from local organisations involved in skate park activities and none could acquire the precast concrete type structures.
“However, other local community projects will be explored further and if possible, the structures relocated.”
East Marsh ward councillor Steve Beasant said he supported the Corinthians’ pitches aspect of the plan but was shocked to find out about the threat to the skate park.
He said he and colleague Cllr Kay Rudd were “livid” about it, adding they had not been consulted. He continued that if relocated, it should be to “somewhere in East Marsh”.
“It is well-used by the youngsters in that area,” he said. “We are talking about an area that’s very deprived. And youngsters have been through a difficult time.”
He added: “Both me and Kay Rudd will be calling in the decision.”
