Wednesdays public hearing (above) into the siting of the skatepark in Inverleith Park did not result in the desired outcome for the city’s skaters. In fact it didn't result in anything! apart from an extremely unhelpful report from Environmental Services based on noise levels emanating from skateparks resulting in complaints from local residents (in England!!) researched on the internet - no comparison was given to any sunken Scottish skatepark! Not surprisingly a great deal of confusion arose and as a result of the ensuing two hours of presentations and debate, the planning committee have now requested more information about potential noise levels, full details of what is proposed for the pavilion site and details of the 'masterplan' for Inverleith Park. This has resulted in tons of further frustration for the ESP and no doubt anyone who has an interest in, or supports this skatepark proposal.

If a bright side can be found in such circumstances, it has to be that the opposition didn't get what they wanted i.e. the proposals completely rejected. It could be said that they shot themselves in the foot on several occasions during their presentation. The use of such phrases as 'our park,' denials of 'nimbyism' and even requests that a new planning application be submitted for a brown-field site in the Granton Waterfront development or an ‘urban site’ are far from helpful.

There also appeared to be some shock emanating from the public gallery when it was highlighted that Councillor Michael Dixon (Stockbridge) had, in 2003, been quoted in the Edinburgh Evening News as being in favour of the skatepark being constructed in Inverleith. He did however quantify that his support was for a 'small facility for local children' not 'an international competition standard sports arena' - now wouldn't that be fantastic?!! The fact is that Inverleith Park, has, from day one, been a favoured option for this facility albeit described as 'competition standard' whatever that means. Do Edinburgh University know they have a 'competition standard' square on their hands?

Acknowledgement must go to Mark Foster for the sterling presentation he gave on behalf of the ESP in support of the proposals, ably assisted by Sam Paterson.

The timescale for when the next exciting episode of bureaucracy and red tape will take place is not quite clear at the moment. What is clear is the timescales set by the council for completion of the skatepark may not be met and it is in question whether 2005 will be the 'Year of the Skatepark' in Edinburgh. This is despite the council previously stating that they were committed to ensuring the park was inplace for the summer.

The ESP will continue to push for this skatepark and contribute as much as they can to ensure a speedy resolution to the current situation.

We would ask you if you are an Edinburgh resident to assist with this by continuing to write with your support to your local councillor, the local press and MSP’s. We will keep you informed, as more information becomes available.