PRESS RELEASE
Date: 18th January 2021

Newbury Town Council has closed the Skatepark in Victoria Park until current Government Coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

The decision was made after requests from Thames Valley Police, due to non-compliance with the current Skatepark guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Skateboarding GB advise that outdoor skateboarding should only take place on your own, with household members or with one other person and in all circumstances social distancing and hygiene protocols should be used.

Cllr Martin Colston, Leader of the Council, said “The Skatepark has continued to be extremely busy in the last couple of weeks and during the current lockdown, it would be impossible to ensure that everyone is socially distancing.

We realise the value of outdoor recreation and the difficulties facing our youth during Lockdown and we have worked with users and partners in efforts to ensure the safety of all. However, we have reluctantly taken this decision, after petition from Thames Valley Police, to protect the community.

Please do not attempt to access the Skatepark at this time. We will re-open it again once the current restrictions have been lifted. We need to all that we can to keep everyone safe in these difficult times and we thank you for your co-operation”.