Protest at skate park bid
HONLEY residents are protesting over the possible siting of a skate park near their homes.
Residents of Meltham Road and Brown Royd Road are worried that a skate park will worsen problems with gangs gathering.
Residents claim that for several months, up to 50 youngsters have gathered at the site on evenings.
They say young people ride motorbikes, litter the area, start fires, use drugs and verbally abuse residents.
Tony Whitehead, a Meltham Road resident, said: "There is massive opposition to the scheme, which should be dropped.
"It is totally unacceptable and whoever dreamed up the proposal must be unaware of the recent happenings."
The idea for a skate park was put forward by Kirklees Council's Holme Valley North area committee.
Residents learned of it after a consultation document was sent out to schools.
Only the Meltham Road recreation ground was put forward as a possible site.
This prompted Holme Valley North councillor Terry Lyons to demand a full study into the need for a skate park and where it should be located.
He said: "This is entirely the wrong location. It should be rescinded."
Trudi Wright, area committee co-ordinator,
said: "We apologise if people were misled. After the consultation went out we realised it would be more effective to look at all possible sites."
Suggestions can be put at a Holme Valley North area committee meeting tomorrow at 7pm in Brockholes Village Hall.
Contact Trudi Wright on 01484 416269.
