TEIGNMOUTH is to get a new multi-games area, adventure golf course and refreshment kiosk on the Den – which should be ready to open in time for the summer, writes Lindsey Sill. Teignbridge Council Executive unanimously supported the scheme after a three-day public consultation before Christmas showed 62 per cent in favour. So that work can start quickly, councillors agreed to waive financial rules obliging them to go out to tender. South West Highways has been given the contract to press ahead with the £522,000 scheme. Councillors also noted the 'strong preference' expressed by the public for the new skate park to be built on the Den. John Cocker, head of design services, told members on Monday that the skate park needed planning permission – whereas other elements did not – and it did not form part of the current scheme. After the demise of the Spirit of Teignmouth project, Teignbridge Council held a hurriedly-organised consultation to test views on what should take its place. Two options were on offer – both included an adventure golf area and refreshment kiosk. Option one had a street entertainment area, whereas option two had a multi-use games area – or MUGA. Mr Cocker said that £337,000 would be raised from borrowing and £147,000 would come from council coffers. He said that running costs could easily be recouped from income and represented 'extremely good value'. Three-quarters of respondents wanted to see a skate park on the Den although eight per cent expressed concerns about possible disturbance at night, which would have to be taken account of in the design. He added that, assuming the Spirit of Teignmouth building came down at the expected rate, contractors could be on site in February and have the new facility up and running by the tourist season. Cllr Roy Phillips said the skateboard park should be sited at Eastcliff car park, away from residential properties and out of the conservation area. Cllr Vince Fusco agreed, worried about the noise skateboarders would make coming and going. Teignmouth mayor Cllr Geoff Bladon welcomed the scheme, glad that common sense had at last prevailed. 'People are listening to what the skate-boarders want. Put it on the Den where it will be successful,' he said. Cllr Chris Clarance said he was disappointed at the options offered. He would have liked to see one specific tennis court reinstated and wondered if it would not be possible to have a tennis court as well as the MUGA. 'There were only 161 responses out of 15,000 residents. It didn't really give clear direction to anything that might happen,' he claimed. But council leader Cllr Alan Connett said that in their current financial position, both would be 'over-egging the pudding'. The MUGA, by providing for tennis and other games, would provide the best of both worlds. Cllr David Cox said the scheme was fantastic news for Teignmouth. To prevent the skate park becoming a night-time nuisance, he suggested that a bylaw could be used to close it at 9pm. Executive member Cllr Ray Frost pointed out that skateboard park designs had improved and were not as noisy as in the past.
