Wheeled Sports Consultation

INTRODUCTION

The desire for a wheeled sports facility in the central area of the town was highlighted by Cabinet Members. The Council has subsequently allocated funding in the Capital Programme subject to agreement on an appropriate site.

Councillors were provided with an options appraisal of the limited sites where such a facility could take place. Officers were asked to consult with users of such a facility on their preferred location. During January and February 2018 a consultation was undertaken to seek views on possible location for such a facility.

WHAT WE DID

A six week consultation/ campaign was launched on the 10th January 2018 until 23rd February 2018, which included an online forum where you could see the locations and place comments on them.

There were 15 slides in all with three locations, each slide identified the site using a map and various images of the location as it is now and we asked for comments on the suitability of the location, the respondent’s interest in the location and which location was the preferred one.

METHODS USED

Drop in sessions were held in various locations Images and plans uploaded to a forum where comments and open discussions were encouraged Questionnaire was made available for those needing a more structured participation Social media campaign on twitter and facebook encouraging everyone to take part Southend Learning Network and various schools actively promoted the consultation.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION A total of 771 people accessed the campaign and 207 responded to the consultation using the online comment facility. With many ongoing discussions within the forums.

The decision went to the Councils scrutiny committee on 19th June 2018.

Once the Designer was onboard they also had discussions about what users would want to see and how that could be facilitated.

A media campaign was launched to come up with a name and on 3rd August 2019 Skatey McSkateface Skate Park opened.