Anti-Social Behaviour Brought In-Line at New Skate Park in Micklefield

Published by JenCooke for National Federation of ALMOs in Housing and also in Communities, Health

Residents of Micklefield, Leeds, have celebrated the opening of a new purpose-built skate park thanks to funding from organisations including Aire Valley Homes, the arms-length management organisation (ALMO) responsible for over 15,000 homes in South and South East Leeds, Grantscape Community Fund, Leeds City Council and its local Outer East Area Committee.

Providing a location for sports including BMX cycling, in-line skating and skateboarding, the skate park was officially opened by Councillor Keith Parker in August following a £10,000 contribution from Aire Valley Homes’ Outer South East Area Panel.

The project was suggested following the recent Micklefield Regeneration Study which found there was a lack of recreational opportunities for young people in the area, and highlighted this as a possible cause of anti-social behaviour (ASB). Local young people were involved in the design and development of the park which has been designed to promote alternative activities resulting in helping to combat the tendency towards ASB while encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

The new facility will be accessible to young people in Micklefield as well as neighbouring communities such as Aberford, Ledston Luck, Kippax and Garforth. The park also has the capacity to be used for future organised competitions.

Phil Roden, Chairman of the Aire Valley Homes Outer South East Area Panel, said: “The new park is great. For years youngsters have had nothing to do in Micklefield and this has led to some people getting involved in ASB. The new park has given kids somewhere to hang out and practice their skills.”

Jeff Clarke, Area Housing Development Manager at Aire Valley Homes, said: “Following the consultations with youth groups in Micklefield and receipt of a bid from the Parish Council to part fund the project, the Outer South East Area Panel decided to invest the full amount requested to assist in offering young people in the area somewhere to meet and practice sport.

We’re all really pleased with the new park which has already been attended by a number of young people since its formal opening on Saturday.”

Aire Valley Homes, the arms-length management organisation (ALMO) responsible for over 15,000 homes in South and South East Leeds has ring-fenced money to be used solely on local environmental and community initiatives. Led through the three Area Panels, residents are encouraged to take the lead on funding decisions to benefit local people and their own estates, and in conjunction with Aire Valley Homes, have made tackling ASB a core part of their strategy for improving the lives of people living in local estates.