COUNCILLORS are calling for a full explanation into why a proposed site for a new skateboard park next to the Portishead's leisure centre was

COUNCILLORS are calling for a full explanation into why a proposed site for a new skateboard park next to the Portishead's leisure centre was thrown out.The Portishead Skatepark Project initially wanted to put a new skateboarding facility on land next to Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, but the plan was turned down by council officers on health and safety grounds.Alternative sites for a facility have now been put forward, including the Lake Grounds, land at the rear of Portishead Football Club and an open space next to the Windmill Pub at Nore Road.Despite new sites being put forward, councillors are still maintaining the best option is to site the park on the land at Harbour Road and are now calling for a full explanation of why the plan was turned down by North Somerset officers.Councillor Alan McMurray said: "We need to have guidance as to why this site was turned down."We can then apply this guidance to other sites that we may look at."Councillor David Pasley said: "It makes sense that Harbour Road is the preferred site as it is already an area for youth activity."There is a multi use games area, the youth club and the leisure centre and we need to know why North Somerset feels it is not appropriate for a skate park."Councillors are now suggesting they make a visit to the Harbour Road site to discuss its viability with North Somerset Council officers.North Somerset Council spokesman Nick Yates said: "No formal application has been submitted yet although we have had some discussions with the town council about locations for the skate park.