BACKGROUND: There is no indoor skatepark or roller sports facility within Sandy, Biggleswade, Luton, Bedford or the surroundings areas.

Bedfordshire as a whole has make shift roller rinks and outdoor skate parks - some are decent, while others are very poor. With the outdoor parks, whatever their condition they always become redundant for most of the year due to bad weather and poor natural light making these sports very dangerous in wet, windy and icy conditions!

The lack of a dedicated facility is a major barrier for participation in roller sports, and sadly as a result we will see more young people (who are not so fortunate to be able to afford a trip to Indoor facilities outside the area) ride these unsafe parks, meaning more risks of injury as none of these parks are managed or have someone for safeguarding or first aiders.

There will be more riders using the streets or worse still, using derelict spaces to refine their skills, potentially causing Anti-social Behaviour issues and hazards.

With our family roller skating sessions and in particular the growth of roller hockey and roller derby seeing a renaissance, we are constantly pressed for training and usage availability as most venues lack the correct type of flooring - again forcing skaters to use unsafe surfaces or simply not skate at all. Having run weekly sessions since 2007, we are well aware of the additional benefits skating provides the family unit and the community as a whole.

PROPOSAL:  Our proposal is to develop an indoor venue into an indoor skate park / roller sports facility and youth enterprise hub for training. The site is to eventually include a space for live music & rehearsals, a cafe, training rooms and office space for social enterprises and charities.

Our aim is to build a unique, fun and safe environment that young people in particular can enjoy and which gives an alternative to sitting about doing nothing or possibly causing a nuisance during times when skateparks are not accessible and especially during the winter months.

OUTCOME:  Bedfordshire has already produced riders that have gone on to ride at a professional level all over the world, representing Great Britain in Scooter Competitions at a Worldwide Level, as well as BMXers, Roller skaters and Skateboarders.

The training and potential employment opportunities for young people and the community partnership networking between different organisations.

REQUEST:  We require a site of at least 30,000 sqft for the proposed activities. We have the motivation, drive and some of the necessary tools but really need support from everyone to make this happen. Please sign this petition, share with your friends, family and networks.

If you want to get involved with this or would like more information please contact info@rollbackskating.com

Fundraising Page: https://www.gofundme.com/indoor-skate-amp-roller-park

Campaign Info: Http://www.rollbackworld.com/skatepark/

Campaign Updates: Http://www.facebook.com/rollbackworld

#indoor4beds