Hello everyone, It’s been a while since our last update, and I’m happy to say that things have been moving forward on Charlton SkatePark. Our petition reached a whopping 1037 signatures before it was handed into the council last October. (We took out any non-UK signatures before it went in.) We had a lengthy response from the council which - unsurprisingly as we were supporting their skatepark - agreed with the many points we raised. Since then, things have moved forward again and we are now at the stage where an application has gone in for outline planning permission. That basically means that an outline of the park has been produced and the size and location need to be approved at an upcoming planning meeting. If the plans so far are approved then we'll start to see designs for how it may actually look. If the plans are denied, game over. So if you have want a skate park in Charlton Park, then this is the time to say so to the council’s planning board (via the case officer). The anti skate park brigade are whipping up as many complaints/objection letters about the plans as they can. They've even started approaching people in Charlton Park and giving them specific information on how to complain! So those of us who think a new £340K skatepark in Charlton would be a good thing for young people and the area need to make sure our views are heard as well. Can I ask that anyone who wants to submit a letter or email in support keeps in mind the following: - Be respectful in your email/letter. Writing in saying 'People who don't like skate parts are dickheads' is not going to be helpful. It's not big or clever either! :) - A big myth promoted by the anti-brigade is that many of us in favour do not live locally. This is not true, but I'd suggest that only those of you who live in Charlton or Woolwich and the immediate surrounding area contact the council at this stage. - Be constructive. It's great to say you really want a skate park, but please highlight the benefits a skate park could bring. - Put yourself in their place. The anti mob are not bad people, they are mostly just worried that a skate park will mean anti-social behaviour. If you are a skater, or have experience of skate parks, you may want to point out why these stereotypes are just not true. So, with the above in mind, if you intend to submit a view you need to email jessica.lai@royalgreenwich.gov.uk before March 15th 2016. Please quote the case ref: 16/0058/O and clearly say in your letter that you are writing in support of the skatepark. We'll be at the planning meeting - not yet scheduled - and we'll update you on the outcome via this site soon after that. Thanks again for your support everyone, Paul and Andy