Uses of the Lake Grounds - Portishead You have reported that some local people want to add things to the Lake Grounds at Portishead, like a skateboard park and other extensive equipment for the older children and teenagers. As the councillor for the area

Uses of the Lake Grounds - PortisheadYou have reported that some local people want to add things to the Lake Grounds at Portishead, like a skateboard park and other extensive equipment for the older children and teenagers.As the councillor for the area I am doubtful if these would be beneficial, for two reasons. The first is that I and many other local people in Portishead have a constant struggle to get North Somerset Council to spend enough money on carrying out regular maintenance at these grounds. For example the Tarmac around the lake, and the lake edges, all need replacing - it is just worn out with years of use; there are no boats on the lake and the pitch and putt course is not in use. What is the point of attracting even more people when we cannot deal with the wear and tear by the present numbers? The second point is more far reaching. I consider that many (or most?) local residents would rather keep the lake grounds for quiet enjoyment by families, particularly those with young children, and leisurely sports like bowls and cricket, and not developed into an all-age entertainment centre. There are other areas in the town that could be used for such extra facilities, the area round the Parish Wharf Leisure Centre is one, Kilkenny Fields, Merlin Park and Weston Big Wood are others.The future of the lake grounds is important to Portishead residents and we need as many local people as possible to express their views and join in the debate so local councillors can be informed about local opinion when decisions are made which affect us locally. Barry Walters - Portishead district councillor