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£4.6m skatepark gets go-ahead
A £4.6M SKATE-PARK has been given the go-ahead by Blackpool Council.
Plans for the seafront skatepark, which includes adventure play areas, street furniture, sculptures, BMX bowls, cycle hire and floodlighting, were submitted by Blackpool's regeneration company ReBlackpool in December.
The scheme is set to become a Golden Mile reality, with construction work beginning in June on the headlands opposite Waterloo Road.
Lee Burrell, development manager at ReBlackpool, said: "We are delighted we have been given permission, as a lot of hard work went into this scheme, from gaining funding to designing it.
"We will start building in June, and the Waterloo headland will focus on adrenaline sports and adventure play with key elements including an adventure playground, cycle hire, skateboarding park and BMX Bowl. The plans are in line with the council's wish to create an open, integrated space."
But Blackpool Transport bosses warn the skatepark could lead to a child's death because it is so close to the tram tracks and they have called for fencing to be built around the site.
Mr Burrell added: "We have introduced a number of elements to separate the play areas from the tracks, including plants, slopes, and a small amount of fencing.
"We don't want to build a wall or fencing around it because it would go against the integrated nature of the area, where pedestrians can wander in and out."
Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors called for the decision to be deferred while arrangements were made to build fencing.
Former tram driver Coun Gary Coleman said: "There are some hilly areas, known as "lounging areas", which are very close to the tracks. It seems likely children would want to roll down these hills, and they could end up in the middle of the tracks."
Coun Fred Jackson added: "All we want is some kind of fencing to separate the area from the tram tracks.
"The new trams are quieter and therefore might not be heard. How would you feel if it was your child or grandchild who had an accident?"
ReBlackpool directors also claimed there would be strategic tram stops near the site, which would mean the trams would be travelling more slowly than usual.
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
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Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
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