Teens risking skate danger

A skateboard park opened on playing fields in Stourbridge has failed to stop youngsters using ramps at a town car park to perform tricks, putting their lives at risk.

Residents say groups of teenagers are once again gathering in Bell Street car park to practise their stunts – just inches away from moving cars. It was hoped the new skate park on playing fields in Junction Road would stop teenagers from using the car park as they would have proper facilities. The park has proved popular with many skateboarders.

However, others are continuing to put their lives at risk and posing a danger to car park users.

Residents and car park users first called for action to be taken two years ago amid fears the youngsters could be seriously hurt or killed as drivers are unable to see them on the ramps until they turn the corner.

John Shepherd, vice-chairman of Stourbridge township council, said it was disappointing youngsters continued to do this.

"The new park up at Junction Road is free for them to use and I think it was hoped the teenagers would go there to practice in safety," he said.

"I had thought we had cracked this because the boarders did not seem to be at the car park for some time.

"However no sooner have we got the summer holidays here and they are back. It is disappointing this has happened. This is very dangerous as some motorists will not see them using the ramps until they turn a corner.

"This has been an ongoing problem for some time now and it is difficult knowing what to do."

Motorists using the car park have also complained about the risk skateboarders pose to their cars when they are parked there.

"The kids may not mean to cause any damage at all but accidents happen," Mr Shepherd added.

Dudley Council has previously said enforcement officers ask people to leave the car park if they are found using the facilities inappropriately.