CONTROVERSIAL plans for a skateboard park to tackle youth crime were looking likely to be scrapped this week in 2003.

Barrhead Housing Association (BHA) had planned to provide skate facilities in their Centenary Park revamp.

However, project leaders said vital council support was dwindling.
Martin Manthando, BHA project manager, said at the time: “The council is not being very honest and forward with us.

“They are dragging their feet and each department is trying to make it look like another department is responsible.

“Community and leisure, under Ann Saunders, were very supportive but of late they have also started dragging their feet. There’s too much politicising going on.

“The police are in full support of the scheme and they think it will help resolve the problems with the old Barrhead centre.

“If the playscheme was there, then those same young people buying booze and causing trouble would be under supervision and the problems would be removed from the street.”

However, concerns were expressed at public meetings that the proposed skatepark would only become a magnet for youth disorder.

Linda Chandler, whose son Craig was a keen skateboarder, said she was worried that members of Barrhead gangs would hassle other youngsters using the new park.

She added: “I think that, in Barrhead, it would be a trouble spot.

“There are a lot of gangs up here.”