Film can help get us back on board again
Hannah Bardell has welcomed a new document a ry on Livingston skatepark.
The MP for Livingston was speaking after the short film Long Live Livi was premiered at Glasgow Film Festival this month.
The documentary received a warm reception at its first screening and Hannah Bardell has pledged to help to reinvigorate the park.
The short film stars three local young girls, Poppie Smyth, from Uphall, Rudi Morrice, and her sister, Mac Morrice, from Winchburgh, who have formed the skating group Snaggle Rats, and their enthusiasm for their sport shines through, as they campaign to get Livingston back skat e b o a rd i n g again.
When the skate park was first built in Livingston, it was a world-leading facility that has seen stars such a Tony Hawk visit and skate twice at it, and he makes a short appearance in the film.
However, in recent years it has fallen into disrepair. Cracks and holes in the concrete make it dangerous and large parts unusable. The snagglerats, their parents and local MP Hannah Bardell – along with the documentary’s filmmaker Parisa Urquhart – also niece of the parks designer Ian Urquart – are now on a mission to see it refurbished.
Mrs Bardell said: “Parts of Livingston Skate Park needs to be resurfaced. We need to reinvigorate the skating community. Livingston has a skating history to proud of.
“I know I used to love skating there as a child and still occasionally get out on my board. The Snaggle Rats are an inspirational group of girls leading the way for other women and girls locally, I fully support them in their campaign to make Livi skate again. With skateboarding set to be in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, it’s a perfect time to reinvigorate the park.
“Th e r e ’ s a g re a t opportunity for community and local businesses to work together to make this happen.
“Any local businesses that may be able to support with resurfacing costs are welcome to get in touch with my office.”