I am a parent helping the Portishead Skatepark Project to find a location and the funding for a new skatepark in Portishead. I would like to clarify some misunderstandings about skatepark issues recently in the local press. Firstly our proposals do not

I am a parent helping the Portishead Skatepark Project to find a location and the funding for a new skatepark in Portishead. I would like to clarify some misunderstandings about skatepark issues recently in the local press.Firstly our proposals do not include lighting the park. We would like a park to be open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year as are many other parks including Nailsea and Clevedon.Secondly our recent survey of the young people of Portishead has already shown that 440 would use the park and although a large number of those would use a bike they are outweighed by the number of those who would use skateboards, scooters and blades. A facility for bikes alone (such as a BMX track) would not meet the needs of the majority of users and they are all requesting a skatepark.Last Tuesday, on a cold January night, a well attended first meeting of the Skatepark Users Group revealed one significant point and that was the terrific enthusiasm amongst the youngsters for the project. Dozens of ideas for fund-raising activities were forthcoming and many signed up to take part in the Portishead Swimathon at the Leisure Centre on April 28.I hope that the town council who helped the project get started will provide some funding for this project and that the residents of Portishead will treat these youngsters as members of this community who deserve our support and encouragement.If you could help the project in any way please e-mail me at portisheadsk8.dsl.pipex.comSarah Souter - Portishead Skatepark Project