Time to get skates on (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Time to get skates on

It's action stations at the skate park at North Star in Swindon Pic ref: 71480-10HUNDREDS are expected to attend a skating event in North Star later this month.

And for campaigners who battled for five years to get Swindon Skate Park built, it is a dream come true.

The event called Mega Extreme Uberfest 2005 takes place on August 28.

Eric Smith, chairman of Swindon Skate Council, expects a crowd of between 300 and 400 people.

The father-of-two, from Haydon Wick, said: "This event will be fantastic. It will be the first event the committee has run at the new park.

"Five years ago people were saying that skating was a passing fad I think we've proved that it isn't.

"On a weekend there can be 100 or more youngsters down there. Skating is no longer a sport there is a whole culture that comes with it."

Mr Smith revealed that the event has received interest from abroad.

"A few people from Scandinavia have logged on to our website and they say that they'll be coming over," he said.

"Local companies are getting involved and are already donating prizes.

"There will be competitions on the day but we don't want to make it too competitive at this stage the emphasis is on having fun."

As previously reported, the £60,000 skate park opened last year had its critics.

But Mr Smith thinks Swindon residents can now be proud of how youngsters rose to the challenge.

He said: "It is a big plus for the town that this park opened.

"The youngsters are already taking ownership of the park, which is exactly what we wanted to happen.

"This is not just a skate park it is a place for like-minded people to meet and chat. I think that it has also helped in reducing anti-social behaviour in the area too."

Craig Smith, owner of Old Town-based Tower 21, which specialises in skater-style clothing, is delighted the event is happening.

"It's always nice to see events organised for youngsters," he said.

"A lot of people are involved in this one it should be great."

Swindon Council backed the park while Stratton Parish Council provided equipment.

For more information about the event visit www.skateswindon.co.u

Kevin Shoesmith