THE decision to close skate parks in the borough, announced by the council yesterday, has been met with mixed reaction - with some saying they ‘totally agree’, while others worry about the consequences of taking such facilities away from young people who ‘have already lost so much’.

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."

When the Gazette posted the news on its Facebook page, more than 140 people commented, and the decision divided opinion.

Some felt that skate park users had plenty of warning that it may come to this.

One commenter wrote: “Tough, the people who use it were spoken to numerous times by the police about the amount of people there and the lack of social distancing. The vast majority of people took no notice and carried on regardless.”

“Some did listen to the police and left the skate park, so it’s a case of the many spoiling it for the few.”

Another added: “Totally agree with this! Rooksdown is full of teenagers and young adults not social distancing. It’s shocking! I’m happy with this news.”

However, other raised concerns that the loss of an outdoor exercise option used mostly by young people could have a negative impact on both physical and mental health.

One person wrote: “Let's take more away from the kids who have already lost so much. I get people want the parks shut and I get teens are hanging around these areas. But what about those families who are following the rules but love to skate? You could be taking away the only thing that is keeping their mental health at a steady level!”

The commenter added: “I understand the impact that Covid has had on many many lives and I do know we need to be safe. But are we just going to cover up the pressure we are adding to the NHS via mental health services. A service that before Covid was already stretched to the max and now will most likely be unable to help everyone who needs it.”

Another commenter agreed and condemned the decision, saying: “Suicide rate in teenagers right now is sky high. For some skateboarding is an escape. Not the right decision to close it.”

For now, the borough’s 200 children’s play parks remain open as per government guidance.

However, they could close if people do not use them safely, the council has warned.

It added: “We’re monitoring them and will take further action if required.”