Forres Skate Park campaigners need community input to carry on

by David Walker, Press and Journal

A funky roller disco for all ages is being held in Forres House Community Centre to raise awareness of the Forres Skate Park Initiative. Getting their skates on are, left to right, Sophie Fullard, Franky Haymer, Kirsty-Ann Wilson and Fi Rodger. Picture: Marc Hindley

Campaigners, who plan to build a Skate Park in a Moray town, have launched an online survey to garner local support and input.

The Forres Skate Park Initiative want to hear from anybody interested in their project to become involved in the campaign which is just starting to gather pace.

However, before they can really get going, they are in desperate need of more members to achieve their goal of installing an all-inclusive skating facility in the community.

FSPI has yet to formally constitute a campaign group, apply for charitable status or gain funding for a feasibility study to support applications for funding.

That is why they have launched an online survey to gauge the public’s view on the Olympic training facility which would encourage the use of skateboards, roller blades, scooters and bikes.

Once they have gained enough support, they intend to commission a study that would look at materials, landscaping options and opening times.

Community development worker Vicky Flood is hopeful that the survey helps the group better understand what the people want.

She said: “There has already been consultation over this project, however it is still important for funding and covers Moray Council’s obligations regarding Community Asset Transfers.

“As the Bogton Road site next to Mosset Park was the second choice for a skate park in the Forres Planning for Real consultation, we have sent letters to residents closest to it.”

The group recently held a popular bright roller disco in Forres to raise funds and awareness of the initiative.

As of last week, nine people had expressed an interest in joining the group and becoming more involved in the campaign.

The group has gained the support of FACT (Forres Area Community Trust) and meets in the Town Hall, but it now wants to stand on its own two feet.

Committee member Fiona Rodgers added: “If we can get people together who can see the potential for an all-year-round skating facility, hopefully we can get the right people on board to make it happen.”

The survey can be found here.

Anyone interested should email vicky@forresarea.org.