Plans for a new skatepark to replace the damaged ‘Botley Bowl’ have received a mixed reaction from nearby residents.

The original skatepark at the Louie Memorial Playing Fields was destroyed in 2009 after a gang of thieves drove a car onto the site and set it alight.

The bowl has since filled in, and there have been years of consultations and discussions over what should be done to restore the valuable community asset.

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North Hinkley Parish Council has now applied to Vale of White Horse District Council to build a new reinforced concrete skatepark to replace the Botley Bowl.

Oxford Mail:

Josie Webber from North Hinksey Village said: “We really need this for our young people in Botley to reduce their addiction to screens and give them a chance to socialise outside with a healthy focus on physical activity other than just football, which isn’t for everyone.

“Honing skills in a skatepark is a fabulous boost for their confidence and mental health.

“I take my son to a skatepark in Abingdon so he can practice tricks on his BMX most weeks and would really like one closer to home.”

Parent Sarah Balchin added: "As a parent of teenagers I welcome this recreational facility.

"Providing outdoor exercise space for kids is great for their health, provides a place for them to meet and share skills.”

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Another villager Amber Prime said: “Botley is seriously lacking in outdoor activities for young people and this would be a huge asset to the community.”

And Robert Cotterell said: “It shouldn’t take years to get something to replace a community asset that taken from the community.

“I have met people at the bus stop with skateboards going to Thame and Cowley and they didn’t even know Botley always had somewhere to skate.”

However, objecting to the plans, Kate Wilson said: “There has been no consideration of how to mitigate late evening/early morning use, enforcing noise restrictions, restricting loud music.”

Residents Adrian and Claire Wiltshire said: “We are extremely concerned about the noise associated with the skateboard park, especially considering its proposed location.

“Due to the raised elevation and open nature of the field, noise will carry across to nearby residential properties. 

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“This was the main reason why the original, 1991 skate bowl was sunk below ground level.”

Marco Bevilacqua said: “The new proposal will remove the current pull-up bars and outdoor gym equipment.

“I am not in favour of the current proposal unless it is adjusted so that does not impact the current equipment or the latter is replaced with a better solution in the same area or adjacent area.”