SKATE parks in Basingstoke will close from today, the borough council has confirmed.


Due to concerns raised by police in the area surrounding the safety of such sites during lockdown restrictions, the decision has been taken to temporarily shut them down.


Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s executive director of residents services, Rebecca Emmett, said: “Following regular monitoring by our community safety patrol officers and the police, we have taken the decision to close our skate parks from today (Tuesday 26 January). 


"Signage will be erected to inform users of this decision and the sites will be subject to regular enforcement."


It comes after residents in Rooksdown raised concerns over the weekend about the 'busy' skate park there.


One told the Gazette: ""The skate park is constantly busy. I am so fed up and appalled at people’s neglect to keep others and themselves safe." 


However, the council has chosen to keep play parks in the area open for the time being.
Rebecca Emmett said: "The borough’s 200 play areas remain open in line with government guidance and we have signage in place telling people to observe social distancing guidance while using them. 


"We are continuing to monitor the play areas sites and will take further action if required.”