Council gets its skates on by approving new park bid

A NEW skatepark is set to be built after councillors gave plans the go-ahead.

The facility will be opened at King George’s Field public park, in Loanhead, Midlothian, which is already home to a leisure centre, two outdoor all-weather five-a-side football pitches, a grass football pitch, a children’s play park, and a sports pavilion.

The skatepark proposals, submitted by Loanhead Community Development Association, are for a “V-shaped” layout, with two 50 metre “arms” incorporating a variety of slopes and level changes.

The site is also used by the Army Cadet Force.

Planning and development spokesman Councillor Owen Thompson said: “The skatepark will enhance the facilities for young people in the park, providing further benefit to Loanhead’s recreational needs.”

Additional floodlighting at Penicuik Park and King’s Park in Dalkeith was also approved during a meeting of Midlothian Council.