Town council chairman resigns over skatepark controversy

A council has lost its chairman after he resigned in protest at his colleagues voting through plans for a controversial skatepark during his absence from a meeting.

Paul Mitchell, who had been in the post at Reepham Town Council for four years, has reservations about proposals to rebuild the facility at Stimpson's Piece, which was removed more than two years ago due to safety fears.

But, following a surgical procedure, he missed a meeting last week at which his fellow councillors agreed to approve the decision and contribute £25,000 towards the projects.

Paul Mitchell has resigned as Reepham's town council chairman. (Image: Paul Mitchell) READ MORE: Mid Norfolk Railway unveils track extension project

He said: "I'm not necessarily against the replacement of the skate ramp and if, after proper consultation with the Reepham community, it was proven to be the highest priority, I would have supported it.

"I've resigned because I believe the town council should make sure that what it's doing is the best possible outcome for the community," he added.

Mr Mitchell is concerned that his fellow councillors have not properly considered the impact of their decision.

"I don't feel that under the circumstances I could defend the council's decision and it would be hypocritical of me to do so.

"The council has not taken the essential steps to ensure that the skate park is the highest priority for a grant application and expenditure of its own money," he said.

The skate park, located at Stimpson's piece, was removed more than two years ago following safety concerns. (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: How will Lloyds Bank branch closure affect Fakenham?

The skatepark - the only one in the town - was decommissioned in 2021 after it became rusty and was deemed unsafe by an inspector.

Mr Mitchell said that before the skatepark was closed, the council had spent a significant amount of money on it.

"For about eight years, the park needed constant repairs and the costs were phenomenal before the inspector said it needed to be closed down," he said.

He also said the council received "complaints after complaints" about anti-social behaviour at the skatepark before it was removed.

He said that since it had been removed, the complaints had almost ceased and the use of Stimpson's Piece has "snowballed and increased hugely".

But Michael Price, a local who is supporting the skatepark bid and was present at last week's meeting, said: "I grew up around skateparks and all of my friendships came from skateparks so I can speak for how important they are for kids."