Skatepark on course to open in late August

Workmen are currently putting the finishing touches to the ramps and jumps in the 9,000 sq ft facility on Hollins Grove Street.

When plans were announced residents sent a 44-signature petition to planners at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

They were concerned that youths would congregate on the nearby Percival Street and create car parking problems and excessive noise.

But it was later revealed that planning permission was not needed because the mill was formerly a gymnastics club, and so already a leisure facility. Work then started getting the park ready, initially for a July opening.

Although that has gone, Debbie Bentley, the park's manager, said that 50 percent of the work was complete and they were certain to have the park finished before children went back to school -- probably late August.

Debbie had always felt that local children were all for the project.

"A lot of people have already come down to see what is going on," she said, "and this will be for people from across the area.

"The nearest park to us is Bolton, so we will serve a wide area. I cannot see there being any more problems.

"It will keep kids off the streets and give them somewhere to go."

The park will be for BMXers, rollerbladers, and skateboarders. It will feature plywood ramps, half-pipes, and street courses.

To become a member call Debbie on 07890 168557 or try e-mailing her on rhythmskatepark@aol.com. It costs £5 to become a member.