Norton skatepark graffiti wall plans dashed (From York Press)

Norton skatepark graffiti wall plans dashed

HOPES of building a wall for graffiti artists to show off their skills have been dashed.

Despite police, Ryedale District Council and the Safer Ryedale Partnership giving the thumbs up to the proposal for Norton skatepark, it has now been scuppered by the landowners, Fitzwilliam Estate.

Sgt Steve Pearse, pictured, said the aim of the wall had been to provide somewhere for the artists to use rather than painting on walls around Malton and Norton.

He said: “The young people themselves were keen to see it go up and it also had the support of the North Yorkshire County Council’s 4Youth Service.”

In addition, he said, MKM builders merchants and Yates had backed the idea.

Sgt Pearse said: “They said there had been complaints from neighbours.

“We are disappointed by the decision especially after it had the backing of so many organisations.

“It would have benefited the youngsters and would have been cost-effective because there would not have been money spent on using a machine to remove the graffiti from points around the town.”

However, Roddy Bushell, manager of Fitzwilliam Estate, said: “The estate is pleased that people are content with how the skateboard park is used at the moment. It is also aware of concerns expressed by some neighbours. We think things are best left as they are.”

Meanwhile, the police are masterminding a plan to set up a neighbourhood watch scheme at the skateboard park.