IT was standing room only as people attended a public meeting to discuss the extension of March's West End Park and the controversial new skate bowl plan.
More than 30 young people turned out in support of the project which is to replace the improvised BMX and skateboard track the youngsters have dug out themselves. Although a lot of work has been put into this, it is being replaced with something safe
r and more permanent.
While the majority of people at the meeting were in support of the changes, some were strongly against the building of the bowl.
Many of those concerned live around the section of the park where the bowl is being built and had serious concerns about potential noise levels and anti-social behaviour.
Members of Fenland Council were keen to allay fears but some people did not appear satisfied with the answers.
Cllr Peter Murphy, who chaired the meeting, said he thought it would have been better for those people "not come with the attitude of, we don't want it".
PCSO Mohammed Ali spoke on behalf of the police. He was asked how the police plan to deal with potential anti-social behaviour once the bowl is built.
One resident said she spent last summer ringing the police over youngsters drinking and leaving rubbish in the park but claimed nothing had been done. She wanted assurances this would not happen again.
PCSO Ali said: "We will be looking at engaging with the youngsters, getting them on side and giving them a sense of ownership of the space."
Police will be monitoring who misuses the space and dealing with them. There will be a PCSO allocated to the park who will spend 80 per cent of their time in that area.
A second meeting with police has been promised for residents who have concerns which were not addressed at the meeting.
Questions were raised over whether CCTV and lighting would be installed at the site. FDC officer Emma Stannard had stated there was no budget for those at the moment and Cllr Jan French said money was available and it is being investigated.
Some people questioned the consultation by the council regarding the skate bowl plans, claiming they knew nothing about it until a few weeks ago.
The Friends of the Park said meetings where changes were discussed were advertised through leaflet drops and posters and had been advertised as much as possible.
The petition against the skate bowl was raised. It appeared some residents were told the bowl had been moved from nearer Oxbow Crescent to its current location and they signed the petition on that basis. They removed their names after finding out that wasn't true.
Richard Bartlett from Gravity Engineering, the company building the skate bowl, said it would be built from concrete, as studies show this is the quietest material.
"We don't just build parks. We are community orientated. We try to combine everything together and look across the board at what we can achieve.
"We have seen a 40 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour around our parks," he said.
Tracey Long-Manson spoke on behalf of the youths.
"We are thankful for those who see a need for a skate bowl. Every comment made will be taken on board.
"These are not just teens we're talking about here. Their ages range from men to the younger ones. They take them and teach them a sport," she said.
Cllr Kit Owen asked the residents: "What noise are you complaining about? The noise of tyres on concrete, of kids shouting and screaming, of people having fun? It is a park! You will get used to it. I am sure these kids will use it, not abuse it."
Funding for the park extension has come from Section 106 payments from developers.
