Wendy Calls for Skatepark Funding

Wendy Alexander is urging the Fair Share Trust to award a grant for the upgrade of the Linwood Skateboard Park.

The Paisley North MSP is backing a £115 000 bid to the Fair Share’s Lottery Scheme for site improvements, including:  

• Provision of separate skills areas to accommodate high and low speed skaters
• A “bowled” arena for less demanding skating
• A flat concrete surface for developing skills and manoeuvres
• A Mosquito security system, lighting and CCTV to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the site

Once constructed, the venue is intended to hold taster sessions in skateboarding and BMX biking.  The Fair Share Trust’s Scotland panel is meeting on Monday 13 November to assess the application.  

Ms Alexander said: “I was alarmed to hear that some youngsters in Linwood are putting themselves at risk by skateboarding on the roof of the dilapidated Shopping Centre. “It’s important that skaters of all ages and abilities have a safe place to practice and hone their skills. “I’m urging the Fair Share Trust to support the bid for skatepark funding.  It is right that lottery cash goes to provide new opportunities for young people.

“We also need more activities for youngsters in Linwood. Sadly the skatepark has been vandalised in the past, so it is time to update the site and improve its security system, lighting and install CCTV to ensure all youngsters in Linwood can enjoy a better facility.”