Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 10 July 2024
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will (a) instruct Amey Consulting to reverse the decision to fence off the Kingston DIY community skatepark and (b) support the group of skateboarders to improve the environment under the motorway viaduct in the area.
The area under the Kingston Bridge West Street on and off ramps requires fencing off to address a growing problem of anti-social behaviour. Issues include the lighting of fires, illegal drug use, discarded hypodermic needles and graffiti.
It should be emphasised that skateboarders who use the unofficial skate park are not being blamed for this anti-social behaviour.
The unofficial skate park lies within the area to be fenced-off. However, contrary to suggestions in the media, Transport Scotland has no intention of closing the skate park and, indeed, is supportive of the initiative. Gated access will be required to the area for bridge maintenance purposes. Transport Scotland and Amey will be happy to discuss how shared access can be accommodated, to allow continued use of the skate park.
Transport Scotland’s Operating Company, Amey Highways, is progressing the fencing scheme. The work will commence in the autumn and will be completed by the end of the year.