Skatepark built on 'wrong' land

The skateboard blunder was blamed on cross-wires

A village skateboard park was built in the wrong place because of a breakdown in communication, a probe has found.

Building of the park in Corbridge, Northumberland, had to be halted when it was realised the wrong allotment site had been concreted over.

The park was supposed to be on a neighbouring allotment.

An independent report carried out by Tynedale Council, found confusion arose because building contracts were verbal rather than written agreements.

The investigation was carried out on behalf of Corbridge Parish Council.

Earmarked land

Tynedale Council chief executive Richard Robson said: "We have found that several factors combined together resulted in the skatepark base being built on the wrong site, and have made recommendations as to how this can be avoided in future.

"In a community setting like this, where trusting relationships exist, it is understandable that parties may rely on unofficial agreements.

"However, it is precisely this that has led to the confusion over the site location and procedures will need to be reviewed and improved to ensure that this does not happen again."

Construction of the park began on 7 January 2007, but was halted on 28 January when gardeners complained.

The earmarked land had been leased by the parish council from a local businessman, but instead of building a ramp on the site, workmen concreted over a neighbouring allotment which the council does not own.

It is now considering buying this land.