Spent 45 minutes at the 'skate' park in Midsomer Norton with my children and their friends yesterday age ranging from 6 to 11 and was completely horrified at the abusive behavior and language used by the older so called 'skaters. One even came out with quote 'kick him in the face' when my 9 year old nephew fell. Lovely behavior by a complete bunch of louts who really should go find a job, perhaps I could help them. There needs to be time when younger children can use this facility without the older so called maturer section of our community. How can this happen, what do we have to do in order for our children to use this facility without listening to the disgusting language of a very uneducated bunch of older kids.....

Perhaps they should look at time schedules for younger children. I was surprised by the agility of the youngsters when I visited the skatepark. Very young children were riding their bikes and scooters (quite erratically) and the skaters calmly manouvered around them. But you only need a few abusive ones to ruin a good day out.

As an avid campaigner for many years for need of this facility, and a frequent user of it now that it is finally completed, I feel very disheartened to have read these comments. I think that although unfortunately there are some foul mouthed people out there who should have a little more respect in regards to younger users, the majority of the "skaters" who use the park, especially the locals who for so long campaigned in the face of adversity to get this cutting edge facility, are very well behaved and often act as a force for good when it comes to enforcing park eticate. On that note, I think there should definately be a time for those with less experience (no matter what age) to be able to develop their skills, and I know for a fact that BA3 skateshop has been working closely with the council to provide a volunteer service to aid those who are new to skateparks. However, I do remain completely adament that the largest amount of responsibility in regards to park use and safety, particularly amongst younger children, lies with the parents. Skateparks, are professional sporting facilities, that have been carefully designed for that purpose. Any user thinking about using the facility should first be educated in the ways of proper use. This includes appropriate safety equipment, as so often I have been horrorfied by parents who allow their children (sometimes no older than 6) to enter the park not only without a helmet, but without shoes! There are certain rules that must be followed in order for everyone to use the facility safely, for example, you wouldn't allow your child to use an ice skating rink without giving them full instruction on which direction to travel and informing them of the potential dangers of placing their bare hands on the ice... I am 100% sure that any parent with any questions regarding proper park use could ask any member of the BA3 staff, they are very friendly and also well informed. Finally I would like to point out the very good work of the pcso's in working so closely with the community to deal with any grievances that may occur. I hope this has helped clear some things up. Kind Regards, Lewis Jelley, 20, Midsomer Norton Resident.

Assuming that those who are at the park skating are unemployed and uneducated is quite ridiculous and extremely ignorant. So if those skating should have been at work, or in university, why was it that you yourself were not at work, and your children, all of whom are of schooling age, were not in school?
Because it was the easter holidays perhaps?
And so these louts were perhaps enjoying the easter sunshine in their university and college easter holidays also.
I agree that swearing is all too common now, but i don't need to go down a skate park to know that; it is part of the modern everyday life and something that must be ignored at certain times if you wish to dabble in any sport.
Skating is a dangerous sport, these 'louts' willingly accept that and do all they can to stay safe, within reason, if you are not comfortable with such a sport perhaps i could suggest you try another?
If you want to avoid the older kids and young men then perhaps going in the easter holidays was not such a great idea.
These 'louts' will be back to university next week, (most of these uneducated, unemployed, louts will also probably be back at their part time jobs; which most university students have in order to pay for their expenses whilst away), so perhaps then the skate park will be more appropriate.
Oh and being privileged enough to be in the position that i myself have a lot of well educated and high flying friends in well moneyed positions, i can tell you now, they swear just as ****** much as any other ******.

I think the council and all involved have tried hard and given us a free facility for wheeled sports that is no less than world class. This is amazing thing for Midsomer Norton. it has been far more popular than excepted. It will have teething problems. and the grand balance of the park is yet to be found. So many people expect so much of of it. The key groups that have push for it have to make compromises and new comers, child and parents a like, have to except it is. There are very few facilities that are open to such a wide age range at all times and to put times for different ages would work against its openness. The design of the park looks to be aimed toward people with a basic level of control of they're sport. Maybe if more concerned parents were involved in the planning there would be an area just for the young and new element.

Kids will learn to curse and be rude at school or anywhere, just parents won't like it in front of there own. You have got a problem until your child doesn't know when is wrong

trust your children to learn how to interact with the great many different folk enjoy a really really good facility

Nate

I would suggest saturday/sunday voluntarily wardens during the summer months who are prepared to martial a section of the skatepark so younger children and noobs have an area where they can skate safely..

This type of person could offer skate tips and impartial advice to noob skaters (not just telling them to buy stuff at BA3) and perhaps offer basic first aid in the event of an injury. It would also have to be a local skater to be able to have the "respect or recognition" in the park to martial it responsibly without older skaters taking over..

Unfortunately, I doubt this is practical and there is no incentive for anyone to bother..

I am a huge supporter of this skatepark, and it's noticeably improved Norton high street where pedestrians can walk and shop in piece without having to make way for speeding BMXers or Skaters grinding steps and public seating areas.