Skatepark plan sparks border clash

FAILSWORTH residents are up in arms over plans for a skatepark overlooking the rear of their homes.

Houses in Miriam Street back on to Brookdale Park, in Newton Heath, whose boundary fence is the border between Oldham and Manchester.

Neighbours claim diggers have already been preparing the planned site, close to the rear of their homes, without residents being properly consulted.

Miriam Street residents, along with neighbours in near-by Albert Gardens, in Newton Heath, have submitted to Manchester City Council a 131-name petition objecting to the skatepark/BMX park.

Alan Walker (69), speaking on behalf of the Miriam Street residents, said: “Plans for a skatepark were touted four years ago but nothing happened.

“It was only when the diggers moved in late June that we found out the plans were going ahead. We’ve not had any letter of consultation or been asked our views.

“Already people can look into our homes if they stand on the mounds of earth and the facility will also bring youths drinking alcohol to the rear of our homes.”

Mr Walker said apart from a drop-in session held in the park on August 18 for residents to pick their favourite skatepark design, they have not been properly consulted.

The grandfather-of-one said: “We don’t object to the skatepark itself, just the siting of it right outside our homes.

“The facility should be sited by the Droylsden Road end of the park where there is a multi-use games area.

“Because we live in Oldham, it feels like we’ve been forgotten by Manchester City Council.”

Neighbour Denis Gleave said: “We were told that planning approval was granted four years ago and did not require further planning permission because it was seen as an extension of the existing play area.

“But we have found no details of the proposed skateboard/BMX facility on the council’s webpage or minutes from previous meetings.

“We are asking for the current works to be stopped with immediate effect until a full and proper consultation has taken place.”

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “We appreciate that residents on Miriam Street have concerns about the new skate park at Brookdale Park.

“As such, we have halted work at the site and we are distributing a questionnaire to residents to better understand and, where possible, address their concerns.”