THE leader of Portishead Town Council has reacted furiously to strong criticism over the refusal to grant planning permission for a skatepark on the Lake Grounds.

Letters to the Mercury Mailbag last week accused David Pasley and fellow members of the North Somerset north area planning committee of having complete contempt for the town and disregarding their duty.

But Mr Pasley has responded angrily, insisting councillors cannot be held accountable for procedural shortcomings of the applicant.

He said that it was "extraordinarily naive" of the Portishead Skatepark Project (PSP) not to have sought permission from the Lake Grounds' owner before submitting the planning application.

Mr Pasley said: "It is very regrettable that the skatepark project spent £4,000 but disingenuous to hang the blame on the councillors."

One of the principal reasons that Mr Pasley and the committee refused the application was on the advice of the police, who had warned that the proposed skatepark would exacerbate existing anti-social behaviour problems within the Lake Grounds area.

Councillors were also made aware that at least nine other authorities have encountered serious problems with skateparks, many having to close or move to another site at costs of up to £60,000. Others incurred heavy fines for noise and nuisance.

Mr Pasley added: "I have no doubts about the commitment currently shown by the PSP but what happens if that enthusiasm dissipates over time, who is going to manage things then?

"A skatepark is a permanent feature on the landscape but those now so dedicated may not always be so and future generations may believe that a facility on council-owned land should be managed by the council.

"The PSP are willing to maintain this facility for a limited time in the early years when minimal maintenance or cost outlay can be presumed but after that, the council taxpayers of Portishead will have to pay.

"It is undeniable the PSP have worked tirelessly and relentlessly to secure a second skatepark in Portishead. They have consulted, cajoled, courted and negotiated with every stakeholder other than, mystifyingly, the main decision-takers, Portishead's North Somerset councillors.

"As a grandfather of 10, the charge of not caring about the youth of Portishead, could not be further from the truth.

"In addition to seeking to provide alternative facilities for the non-skating majority of our youngsters, North Somerset councillors, particularly those representing Portishead, support the concept of a skatepark.

"We will continue in the search for a more practical site but it can never be without consideration of other factors."