BBC highlights safety fears (From Barry And District News)

BBC highlights safety fears

AN EX-SKATEBOARDER'S concerns about skate parks are being investigated on a television programme

Steve Hunt, 37 of Heol Ger-y-Felin in Llantwit Major has caught the attention of John Smith MP and a BBC Wales investigative team.

The aircraft technician came to the News when he felt his fears about the rusting and dilapidated conditions of local skate parks were being ignored by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

He said: "I'd written several times, and was beginning to feel they were fed up of me.

"While they said repairs were being carried out, I insist they're not good enough. I informed the Health and Safety Executive who conducted their own assessment. They found the council should better their inspections."

After reading Steve's story in the News, Vale MP John Smith was eager to lend his support. They met at the Knap skate park on Friday, February 21, so Mr Smith could see the condition of the metal constructions.

Mr Smith said: "I am appalled at the hazards to children in this park.

"While I have not seen them all, Mr Hunt has a catalogue of pictures taken in parks around the Vale.

"I think this is a classic case of original expenditure taken into account for the building of these parks, without thought of how much it will cost to maintain them. I will be contacting the Vale council myself about safety standards."

The safety of the skate parks are being investigated on BBC 1 Wales programme X-Ray on Monday at 7pm.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: "The council is confident that its skateboarding parks are safe. The council has taken on board the advice of the HSE and is amending its inspection regime accordingly."