*** Unofficial BMX Site Sparks Safety Fears ***
Midsomer Norton, UK -- 09/27/2007
Children are risking their lives and blocking a pavement to use
an unofficial BMX bike track in Midsomer Norton, say residents.
The track has been set up by young people on privately-owned land near
the Staddlestones housing development, a site used as parkland by local
people.
Tomorrow, between 4pm and 7pm,
there will be a public consultation about its future.
Residents will be asked what they like and dislike
about the park and how they would like it to change.
The meeting was organised after residents asked their Bath and
North East Somerset councillors to take action over intensive use
of the track.
Cllr John Whittock (Con, Midsomer Norton Redfield) said: "They are
concerned with what we are calling an unofficial BMX track being on
private land - not in an area which B &NES is responsible for.
"It is on the edge of a pavement, so children are virtually
using the road and pavement before they embark on the
ramps.
"There's lots of mud there now and there
is mud and dirt all over the pavement.
"There were 10 children there last Friday
evening when I went to have a look.
"They were blocking the pavement waiting for their
go and charging out across the road. It's dangerous."
It has taken some time to trace owner****p of the land, he added.
"But the good news is that the council is nearly there and can offer
residents the op****tunity to contribute their ideas over the future use
and recreational development of Staddlestones as a whole, including
the appropriate location for some sort of BMX facility," said Cllr
Whittock.
To attract young people to tomorrow's consultation, Cllr Whittock and
Cllr
Chris Watt (Con, Midsomer Norton Redfield) hope to provide football
skills
training and BMX ramps.
Play Rangers will also be there,
inspiring children with games and activities.
Cllr Watt, a B &NES cabinet member for children's services, said:
"We encourage as many people as possible to attend this event
and give their ideas.
"That includes the children and young people who use Staddlestones.
"The results of the consultation will be presented to the
community in January, along with proposals for the future.
"We hope that problems associated with bikes, such as mud
on the nearby pavements and road, will be addressed."
Geneb...Wenatchee,Wa****ngton-USA
All Things Northwest in BMX!
***** Gene`s BMX *****
http://www.genesbmx.com
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