towncouncil@diss.gov.uk

Sounds like it might be from all the comments received to date so thank you! 

Diss Town Council decided to temporarily close the Skateboard Park to ensure users’ safety.

One piece of equipment had already been taken out of action, but the considerable repairs now required meant that we could not continue to keep it open safely. Given we are now entering the winter months, it was agreed at the November Full Council meeting, that we would undertake a user consultation exercise before committing funds.

In 2019-20 the Council spent approximately £20k on new surfacing, labour, and a piece of new equipment.

In 2022, a further £4.5k was spent on replacement boards, which have been damaged due to weather and usage and need replacing again.

Diss Town Council has received quotes ranging from £11,475 to £13,200 to undertake significant repairs to this free-to-the-user facility. To put the costs in perspective, this is the equivalent of 1.7% of our annual precept or £4 to a band D Diss taxpayer.

And before spending such funds, we want to be assured that the usage justifies such expenditure and that the recommended repairs will suit user needs. Indeed, there have been comments suggesting that we consider a concrete skatepark that needs no maintenance and will last longer.

We only knew of a few people who use the facility, and we understand from the comments on Facebook that many users are not from Diss.

There has been no discussion around permanent closure of the facility. On the contrary, the Council is starting its public consultation from tomorrow on the Diss Youth & Community Centre and its other facilities including the Sports Ground so the feedback we are receiving is exactly what we need to inform future decision-making.

The minutes of the November Full Council meeting will be available on our website next week. The Skateboard Park will not be discussed at any meetings in December but we will be asking users to attend a meeting with us specifically on this subject so we can plan together a way forward.

In the meantime, if you haven’t yet contacted us and use the Skateboard Park, we’re still keen to hear from you. 

Please contact Diss Town Council on:

E: towncouncil@diss.gov.uk or

Message us on Facebook, X or Instagram.

Thank you.