THE first steps in a project to build a skatepark in a Dartmoor village were taken last week, when West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox, councillors and youth workers were given an insight into plans for the park in Princetown on Friday. The meeting in the village included a visit to the old tennis court behind the primary school where members of the group Freesk8 would like the facility to be built. The guests were shown a video made by members of the Youth Club which includes interviews with Princetown residents, of all ages, which explains their reason for a skatepark and proper youth centre. Geri Laithwaite of Westden?s Community in Action project, who has been working with the youngsters, said the meeting had been very constructive: ?Until the young people know how decisions are made and who makes them, it is impossible to know how to influence the decision-makers. ?By getting them involved with building their own skatepark, they will experience first- hand local government and project management procedures. ?As soon as a final scheme is agreed, with support from the High Moorland Community Action acting as a fund-holder, it?s all hands on deck to raise the funds.? The next part of the project will be to meet with Dartmoor National Park Authority?s planning officers to talk about planning permission and other skatepark projects and manufacturers. Geoffrey Cox invited members of the youth club to visit the House of Commons to see Parliament in action and area youth worker Paul Dobey is keen to organise this visit. Jade Marchant, 14, who sent out the invitations on behalf of Freesk8 said: ?I am really pleased so many people came to our meeting. It would be great if we could have our own skatepark in Princetown.? Anybody wishing to get involved with this project should contact Geri Laithwaite on 01822 617457.
