Skate park plans axed

Plans to install skating facilities on an estate in Heath Hayes have been scrapped after furious residents insisted they did not want it near their homes.Efforts are still being pushed ahead to site new play equipment on open space in Meadow Way and Hayes Way but the skate park equipment has been removed from the plans.

Cannock Chase District Council’s planning control committee threw out the original scheme, which included the skate park equipment, in August for fear of the effect it would have on residents’ lives.

Now, members will be asked to consider amended plans at a meeting of the committee on Wednesday. Council officers have advised them to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

A report to the committee says: “It is considered that the overall community benefit of providing such facilities in this way should be given greater weight than concerns about anti-social behaviour.”

Seven letters have been sent to the council objecting to the scheme. Concerns included an increase in litter, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Proposals for Meadow Way include replacing two worn-out areas on the edge of the site with modern equipment in the centre. One part would be for youngsters up to 11, the other for those 11 to 14. The area previously proposed for the skating facilities would be a grass area.

Proposals for Hayes Way include six pieces of play equipment for toddlers.

By Michelle Pearson