CONCERN has been raised about outdoor leisure facilities open during lockdown. 

Many residents have expressed their frustration at how busy Rooksdown skatepark has been.

One resident, who asked not to be named, told The Gazette: "The skate park is constantly busy."

They claimed they felt some were breaking the rules, adding: "I am so fed up and appalled at people’s neglect to keep others & themselves safe. I really do not understand what’s going through people’s heads when they’re here doing this.”

The resident feels the only option is to close the site, adding: “If facilities were used responsibly and social distancing, masks, and hand sanitising rules adhered to, then using facilities would be great. It’s the minority that ruin it for others.”

Another Rooksdown resident also expressed their anger and claimed crowds were gathering at the site during lockdown.

“Rooksdown skate park is an absolute joke. So many people using it and actually travelling in from other areas to use,” he said.

“[There is] zero social distancing observed and casual drug smoking is rife too. It’s not just kids, it’s older teens and adults who use it on a regular basis.”

The resident also raised the point that the skate park in question is situated not far from the hospital.

“It’s right next to Basingstoke hospital too which absolutely takes the mickey,” he said.

“The council seems to ignore it and it needs to be closed down.”

It comes after a new, hard-hitting coronavirus advert was released on Friday, featuring staff members from Basingstoke hospital.

When the Gazette posted its report on Facebook, many raised concerns about the situation locally.

One commenter wrote: “This is needed, but can Basingstoke council look these people in the eye? Skate parks, play parks and all manner of things open. So many basic principles our town representatives aren’t implementing.”

A similar skate park facility in nearby Newbury, Victoria Park, was closed last week by the town council there, after a request from Thames Valley Police.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been contacted by the Gazette for comment.