Skatepark cash goes back to developer

The MP for North Shropshire has written to a major housing developer calling for a re-think after thousands of pounds of funding for play equipment in the district was handed back.

The cash, earmarked for play equipment in Whitchurch, was handed back because it was not spent in time.

A grant for £40,000 was handed to the district council in May 2003 by David McLean Developers, when the firm was given permission to build 69 homes off Park Avenue.

The money was supposed to pay for play equipment in Jubilee Park, but had to be spent within five years.

But when the five years expired, without the cash being spent it went back to David McLean.

Now Conservative MP Owen Paterson is asking the firm to reconsider.

"Due to a misunderstanding, the council passed the deadline," he said. "I've just written saying it's very unfortunate.

"It was very unfortunate the deadline was passed so I have written a letter to the head of the company in the hope he might reconsider. The money could be spent in a worthwhile manner."

The £40,000 funding had been earmarked for play equipment in Whitchurch, and was to be used for a skatepark in Jubilee Park for skate group Next Generation Youth.

The group lost out on £30,000 funding from the Lottery in December because it failed to secure a site within a set deadline.

Skate group leaders are now planning to site the park in the grounds of the town's Sir John Talbot School.

David McLean and the district council were today unavailable for comment.