BCP COUNCIL has reminded that skateboard parks are currently off limits under the current lockdown rules following a number of complaints from residents.

Residents in Bournemouth say they have been verbally abused and even spat at by users of the Kings Park Skate Park.

Despite the lights over the skatepark at Kings Park being closed and the gates being locked, skateboarders and BMX cyclists were seen using the park in the evening on Thursday February 4.

A resident who lives near Kings Park has said she is “absolutely disgusted” by the lack of response by BCP Council regarding the continued use of Kings Park Skateboard Park during the past year of lockdowns.

She said: “Many other dog walkers, family walkers, and decent folk who use the park to get a little bit of fresh air and exercise have been utterly disgusted that the skatepark has been full of not young children, but young adults using the skatepark in large numbers.

“There is no social distancing, between them, no face masks used and the abuse one receives from these people when you try to take a picture to complain is absolutely terrible.

“The rubbish and broken glass they also leave behind is in itself another issue that should be addressed.

“In this last lockdown BPC council sent an email out and made it public knowledge that all skateparks were closed, yet they have made no effort to actually close it and have ignored the hundreds of complaints they have received since their own email was sent out.”

Under the Covid-19 restrictions, playgrounds and play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole remain open.

However, skate parks, ball courts and outdoor gym equipment will be closed.

BCP Council have said that, whilst they are unable to close off the skate parks, they are working closely with Dorset Police to monitor Kings Park Skate Park and other parks in the conurbation.

Councillor May Haines, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: “Unfortunately, we have received complaints regarding the continued use of skate parks by some members of the public and we would like to remind people that skate parks at Kings Park and elsewhere are closed and signposted accordingly.

“In practical terms, these areas cannot be closed off, but we continue to work closely with Dorset Police and employ our Covid marshals to engage, encourage and educate our communities to act responsibly.

“Government restrictions on social gatherings remain in place and we would ask members of the public to stay at home wherever possible to help restrict the spread of the virus.

“Please do this for yourself, you family and friends. Please do this for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

‘If people are concerned about a matter of community safety we would ask them to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”