Council announce major projects at The Knap
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has announced the start of work
on two major projects at The Knap area in Barry.
Excavation works necessary to repair the drainage system of the
lake will commence on The Promenade this week, while the skateboard
park is being refurbished in an £85,000 project funded by the
Richard Taylor Memorial Fund (£55,000) and the council.
The drainage repairs works are expected to last between four and
six weeks and, on completion, the council aim to drain and clean
the lake.
A new skateboard facility should be available for use by the
middle of August.
Vale Cabinet Member for Visible Services Cllr Rob Curtis said:
"With the refurbishment of the shelters also planned for this year,
this represents a significant and long overdue programme of works
for the area."
Referring to the drainage works, Cllr Curtis said: "Since taking
up my position as Cabinet Member in December last year, I have
concentrated, first of all, on establishing the reasons for the
flooding of the newly landscaped areas and then to promoting a
programme of works that will ensure a prompt resolution of all
outstanding matters.
"The good people of Barry deserve no less, and I will continue
to use my influence to progress matters.”
The major part of the money for the skateboard park has been
raised in memory of Richard Taylor, the international in-line
skater who died in August, 2004, following an accident near his
home.
Fundraising efforts have been led by his mother, Gaynor, and
have included a “red wristband appeal” and skateboard events such
as the “Richard Taylor Welsh Open Skate Jam” with funding from the
VCVS KICKSTART Programme and the Church in Wales Fund Act.
Donations have been made from the UK and many other countries
including Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France and the USA.
The works will include removal of the existing equipment, tarmac
re-surfacing, amendments to the pedestrian gates and new equipment
with galvanised steel frames and skatelite surfaces.
Cllr Curtis said: "The Council has the utmost admiration for
Gaynor and her commitment to this project. I would personally like
to thank all those who have contributed to the memorial fund and,
by their generosity, made this project possible. The new skate
facility will be a fitting and long standing reminder of what
Richard achieved in this popular sport."
The Council’s Operational Manager for Parks and Open Spaces,
Phil Beaman, said: "This is great news and the different ramps
provided in the new facility can be used for boards, blades and
bikes and by beginners and more experienced riders.”
Apologising for the summer closure of The Knap facility, the
Council says it was keen to open the new and improved skateboard
park as soon as possible now the funding was in place. Fundraising
will continue, with plans to add a further ramp to the facility in
the future.
It has been a positive few months for skateboard facilities in
the Vale following the recent opening of the new skateboard
facility at Parc Bryn y Don in Dinas Powys.