Green councillors push for improvements in urban sports
20 August 2008
Green councillors are calling on Brighton & Hove City Council to radically improve the city’s urban sports facilities, and to include urban sports such as skateboarding and BMX riding in the Council’s overall strategy for leisure facilities.
The Green Group is expected to this week release their response to the Council’s Core Strategy, one of the key documents set to inform the new Local Development Framework.
The group is likely to recommend that “greater attention is given to ‘urban’ sports, in particular the refurbishment of skateboarding parks across the city.”
Cllr Ian Davey, Green Councillor for St. Peter’s & North Laine ward, said, “Urban sports are extremely popular among young people in the city, and there is a desperate need to refurbish many of the city’s skateparks, particularly at The Level.
“Not only do decent skateparks provide much needed leisure facilities for young people, they also provide a place for young people to socialise, and to keep fit and improve their skills.”
Cllr Amy Kennedy is Green Group Spokesperson for Planning & the Built Environment, and also sits on the Culture, Tourism & Enterprise Overview & Scrutiny Committee. She commented,
“Urban sports facilities must be treated with the same importance as other more conventional sporting facilities in the city.
“For many young people, urban sports are a lifestyle; there is a whole culture surrounding skating in particular, and we need to cherish and encourage this as one of the things that makes Brighton & Hove such a great place to live”.
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane Green Party External Communications Coordinator on 07931 231390.[ENDS]
