A FRANKLEY councillor and candidate in the current Birmingham City Council elections has spoken of his determination to get a skate / BMX park for the area.
Simon Morrall, who is hoping to retain his seat at next month’s elections, began his campaign in 2020 but despite overwhelming support he said the funding could not be found for the maintenance costs.
He is now backing Conservative leader Coun Robert Alden’s proposal who has vowed to introduce a skate / BMX park in every ward if the Tories take control of the city council after next month’s poll.
But whatever happens, Coun Morrall said he was determined to get one for the area.
“I grew up around Great Park where the local cinema and nursery used to let me skateboard on their car park providing we stay clear of cars and were tidy.
“Fast forward to today and I see young people reverting to either a life of crime, or recluse away to a life trapped away in a bedroom, checking out of society.
“Many of our young people don’t have a purpose and it feels like the establishment are completely out of touch on this issue – I haven’t stopped talking about this for four years on the city council.”
He added skateboarding gave him a purpose, confidence, the inspiration to try new things and ‘the value of the individual’.
Coun Morrall lobbied West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, local MPs and the Birmingham Conservative leader who has now decided to not only endorse it but expand it across the city.
A couple of sites have been earmarked for the track in Frankley. A consultation would be held to determine which one was chosen.
