A FORMER parish councillor has launched a campaign for a concrete skateboarding park in a Basingstoke suburb.

Jonathon Payne, 34, who lives in High Path Way, Rooksdown, has set up a petition which has already attracted over 300 signatures.

Mr Payne, who was a councillor on Rooksdown Parish Council between January 2012 and June 2013, has called for a new, high-quality skateboarding park to be installed in Rooksdown Park as he thinks this will tackle an “increasing level of anti-social behaviour” in the area.

The father-of-two told The Gazette: “I hope that this will result in a specific consultation on the possibility, and push the case for a feasibility study.

“I feel there is a little bit of anti-social behaviour going on and there is not a lot for kids to do at the moment.”

Mr Payne, a business manager for building controls company, Entech, also believes that a skateboarding park will benefit young people in the local community, helping them to socialise.

He added: “I skated for over 25 years. What I got from it was a way of getting respect and friendship from parts of the community, and it helped me integrate into my social circles, and I think it is a great benefit.”

To sign Jonathon Payne’s petition, go to change.org/en-GB/petitions/basingstoke-deane-borough-council-include-a-concrete-skatepark-in-plans-for-rooksdown-park.