I WAS extremely saddened and angry to learn that Ramsbottom skate park is to be dismantled by Bury Council.

I am aware that the small gate has been padlocked by the council for the last couple of years, but teenagers simply climb over the low fence and still use it.

Having spoken to a few older teenagers in their early 20s who used to use this skate park as teenagers, they said it felt safe as a location adjacent to Ramsbottom Leisure Centre and they could nip into the swimming baths and get a hot chocolate in the winter months.

This is a great family location, mum could be inside the baths or on the park with a younger child whilst teenagers use the skate park.

There is now nowhere for teenagers to go in Ramsbottom. Nuttall Park is pitch black in the autumn and winter and there is little, apart from tennis courts, for them. I've seen kids skate boarding around Aldi car park so they are still out there.

I feel this area should be improved not demolished. There are plenty of teenagers around Ramsbottom that would use a new improved skate park. There is plenty of room there.

A former skate boarder, James, who is also a parent himself now said that there is an excellent skate park at Clarence Park on Walmersley Road. He also advised that if Ramsbottom skate park was upgraded with different sized half pipes and boxes more children of different ages would be able to use it.

I appreciate that funds are tight for the council, but what about the funds sitting with “I Will If You Will”? There is a big pot of funds doing very little. A grant from them would make a difference, as girls use the skate park too.

I cannot understand why Bury Council appears to have an axe to grind with our local teenagers. Come on Bury Council, think of our children!

Fran Mannyng

Ramsbottom