By Geoff Fisher I read the letter from Paul Mitchell, former chairman of Reepham Town Council, concerning the proposed replacement of the skatepark at Stimpson’s Piece (Your Letters, 17 September), and I must take issue with one of the comments in his letter.
I was closely concerned with the running of Stimpson’s Piece for more than 10 years and I can assure councillors and residents that the skatepark was the most popular and intensively used amenity provided by the town council and Stimpson’s Piece Charity, specifically for children and young people.
It was used on a daily basis during the hours of daylight by children and young people ranging in age from pre-school to early 20s. In fact, it was far more intensively used than any of the other play and leisure equipment that has ever been provided elsewhere in the parish.
The removal of the former skatepark meant the loss of the only informal play or leisure facility available for our children and young people where they could play, learn to ride skateboards, bikes and scooters in relative safety with their friends and with the wider community of young people.
Although the cost, design and location of a suitable replacement have to be taken into account, a new skatepark would probably be the most important and popular amenity that we, as a community, could offer our young people at this present time.
Les Paterson, Ollands Road, Reepham
Geoff Fisher