Skate park is greenlit in valley at last
WORK is set to go ahead on creating a skate park for Colne Valley’s young people – almost three years after planning permission was granted.
It’s been an incredible effort by the Valley’s youth supported by local councillors and community leaders.
While Meltham has a top-notch skate park attracting skaters from 30-40 miles around, teens in Colne Valley have had to look on enviously while the necessary funds were raised along with planning permission from Kirklees Council.
But the shelter has been removed from Marsden Goods Yard off Station Road and work will start shortly on the 685 sq metre, council-owned site.
Maxine Edwards, who helped lead the Colne Valley Skatepark Project, said: “It is hoped that, weather permitting, the skatepark, designed by the young people will begin this October.
“The group have been meeting for three years, gaining permissions and raising funds with the support of local volunteers, councillors and businesses.
“The Riverhead pub landlady in Marsden, Jayne Haley, has been fantastic offering us free meeting space.
“The young people have been so dedicated, meeting every week, getting involved in local events including clean-ups and coffee mornings.
“Local councillors have been supportive too over the last three years as well as the Cuckoo’s Nest, (a charity shop which raises money for local groups and businesses).
“If any local businesses want to be involved and sponsor a bench, please do get in touch via the Facebook page: Colne Valley SkateparkProject.”
“Originally we wanted £150,000 for a bigger park. Due to the location and planning we are going smaller.
“But we also struggled to get the funding as Marsden is not seen as an area of high need.”
The £65,000 now raised is more than enough for the project to get started.
It began because Marsden has a lot of young people who like to skate and scooter and who thought it was about time the village had its own skate park.
Evidence was also produced showing that young people in rural areas are more like to have poorer mental health due to isolation.
The young people, who included many of Colne Valley High School pupils, felt it would give them more opportunity to socialise meet new people learn new skills and be outdoors.
Stephen Knight, a well-known community leader in Honley and Netherton, said he had supported the project from the start.
He said: “We helped build Meltham Skate Park four or five years ago.
“I hope this one can be of the same quality or approaching it and I’d like to thank everyone from former councillor Donna Bellamy, to John Shone and Maxine who have got involved, it’s a fantastic achievement.”
Donna said: “It’s going to be great for the village as there’s not much for kids to do up this end.”