Building a skate park at a city beauty spot will turn it into a hive of anti-social behaviour and drug abuse, it is feared.

Concerns have been raised by members of the Friends of Westgate Parks group, which tends to Canterbury’s Tannery Field - a popular green space off Rheims Way, by the River Stour.

The city council’s aspirations for the site include installing a skateboarding site, creating a sculpture garden and building a pontoon for water craft activities as part of a wider £20 million project.

No official proposals have yet been unveiled, but the ideas form part of the authority’s vision ahead of a bid to secure funding from the government’s Levelling Up scheme.

But members of the Friends of Westgate Parks group are opposed to the field’s makeover plan, and urge the council not to interfere.

Secretary Michael Pocock said: “It would destroy the character of the area.

“If it is meant to be part of proposals to attract tourism it would, in fact, more likely become an eyesore for visitors arriving along the Rheims Way.

“A skate park would almost inevitably attract anti-social behaviour, which would only add to the problems already experienced in Westgate Parks with drug users.

“The lower part of this area is on a flood plain which regularly floods in winter months and would be unsuitable for any such developments as those proposed.”

Members also raise concerns over the council’s pontoon proposal - citing health and safety fears and worries over the “serious impact” boating activity would have on the river’s ecological status.

“We feel that the Victoria recreation grounds would be a better site for a skate park as there is already a sports hub there and parking,” Mr Pocock added.

The council has collected the opinions of residents via a public consultation. Using the feedback, bosses will draw up a bid for government funding, with the city’s castle, city wall and the Guildhall council chamber among other locations proposed to benefit from upgrades.

'A skate park would almost inevitably attract anti-social behaviour...'

But the plan for Tannery Field has not gained much support.

Commenting on Facebook, Jacky Wilton said: “This area is one of few nature spots left, it should be untouched.”

Christine Barber added: “Please leave the meadow as it is.”

Conservative councillor Ashley Clark, who is the authority’s lead on protecting green spaces, is also opposed to developing the site.

“It needs protecting,” he said.

“That whole area along the Stour is like a big nature reserve.

“I’m all for skate parks in the correct area, but not there. It would be ridiculous to put one in a place enjoyed by many for its tranquillity.”

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