Closed-door discussions to save skatepark plan

It was leaked in a public session last night that there are plans to fast track a possible new skatepark facility for Welshpool, but discussions will be held behind closed doors.

Yesterday, we revealed for the first time that a whopping price tag of £390,000 had been handed to Welshpool Town Council by specialist firm, Canvas, to build a new state-of-the-art skatepark on Maesydre Car Park.

Due to the massive financial strain currently placed on the Town Council due to the state of buildings like the Town Hall, councillors have reluctantly had to move the skatepark down their pecking order of priorities.

But last night, one councillor broke ranks to reveal at a public meeting that there could be some good news for the town.

After Town Clerk, Richard Williams, provided his update on the project to the Strategy, Property and Development Committee, which included it being shelved for now due to the cost, Committee Chair, Cllr Phil Pritchard asked: “What’s the latest on the other proposal to put skatepark equipment back on the old site?”

In response Mr Williams said: “I can’t report in open session what was decided in confidential session at the last full council meeting, but, yes, there are discussions ongoing.”

Later in the meeting, he added: “We are exploring working with partners to restore some skatepark provision in the town. It would be temporary until our financial position improves. I can’t go into detail with you as it was said in confidential session.”

Councils have the right to move some discussions into private session, particularly if it involves finances, but Welshpool Town Council has come under fire in recent years for the number of items that were discussed behind closed doors without the public or media’s scrutiny.

Welshpool's popular skatepark was removed five years ago due to health and safety concerns, with the Town Council promising to replace it as a priority following uproar from the town.