YOUNG people in Corbridge are sending out a Save Our Skatepark call to councillors considering sacrificing the facility in favour of more car parking.

Youngsters at Corbridge Youth Initiative are at risk of losing the long-awaited skatepark and the allotment plot, which provides the base for their successful summer gardening project, if the plans go ahead.

Parish councillors in the village say acquiring extra space for parking on the perimeter is vital to improving the already creaking infrastructure.

But so limited are the options that after a year of negotiations with Northumberland County Council and local landowners, one of the few hopes left is extending the existing Bridge End car park on the south side of Corbridge Bridge.

However, the quest for between 60 to 80 more spaces could lead to the loss of occupied allotment plots and the much-campaigned for village skateboard park, which is said to be in a state of decay, despite only being officially opened six years ago.

“Parking is clearly a big issue in Corbridge and this site seems to be deemed the best fit to help sort it out,” said youth development worker, Gillan Wood.

“However, I don’t want to see that happen to the detriment of the young people in the village.

“The parish council has always been very supportive of the work we do but I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn’t support the young people in making sure they have a voice in this discussion.

“All we’re asking is that the councillors listen to the feedback; the skatepark is clearly wanted and valued in Corbridge.”

The overwhelming response to a consultation questionnaire handed out to the 50 weekly users of Corbridge Youth Initiative was to maintain and improve the skatepark on it’s current site.

Among the feedback received were comments from young parents who had spent years campaigning for the facility as youngsters.

Mother of two, Katie Turnbull wrote: “As a former youth club member, we fought hard for the skatepark, so leave it be!”

Gillian added: “One of the young people even pointed out that skateboarding is going to be an Olympic sport in four years time. To some people, that skatepark is the equivalent to other children who play football or have lessons with a musical instrument.”

In a question about the favoured location if it had to be moved, the green spaces at The Chains and Well Bank came out on top.

Chairman of Corbridge Parish Council, Coun. Maurice Hodgson, who is a former chairman of Corbridge Youth Initiative, said: “I’m on the side of the young people and won’t rest until we make sure they have the facilities they deserve.

“But we have to look at the bigger picture and address the needs of the wider village.

“It’s a juggling act. The key thing is no decision can be made until we meet with the landowner and find out if they would be prepared to sell us some of the land.”

The meeting is due to take place early next month.