CROYDE garage boss Roy Thackray has explained why he thinks the village's skate park is in the wrong place.

He spoke to the

after it emerged that Croyde Motors had alerted North Devon Council to the fact that the skate park does not have planning permission.

Mr Thackray said: "We at Croyde Motors are totally in support of organised activities for the children of the parish.

"Unfortunately we were not consulted before the skatepark area was constructed. If we had been our opinion would have been that it should have been located alongside the volley ball court and children's play area."

Mr Thackray said the company had released its option to buy the land — allowing the parish to purchase it for a children's play area and park.

But he said: "Having spent the past two years with the skatepark in operation next to our site, our main concerns are that there is not adequate adult supervision.

"An accident occurred on a Saturday morning and as we were the only adults close by the responsibility fell upon us to sort the situation. We have neither the time or training for this role.

"It is much too dangerous to state that the skate area should be self policed, relying on possible passing adults for supervision and in case of an accident.

"If the skatepark is to continue it is vital that a rota of adult supervision is in place."

Mr Thackray said he was also concerned that the skatepark should not go the same way as others in North Devon, such as Braunton.

"We have already had graffiti on our wall and rear door. We have found the noise a hindrance, and noticed that when the village hall has functions the skate board area is closed for this reason.

"We were originally told that the skate area would only be open when it could be supervised on a Friday evening between 6pm-8pm — this has not been the case.

"We are totally in support of an appropriately located supervised skate area for the children of the parish."

Georgeham parish council has now submitted a retrospective planning application.

Cllr Edward Short said: "We're more than happy to apply on behalf of the skate park to show our support for the project. We are determined that it doesn't close."

David Tebbutt, treasurer of Croyde Village Hall Trustees, which owns the land the skatepark is on, said: "We have had no letters of complaint, or any other complaints. We are unaware of anyone unhappy about it."