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Riders flip over skate park opening in Eaton Bray
New superbowl for BMX and skateboard riders gets VIP opening.
SKATEBOARDERS and BMX riders are bowled over at a new 60,000 facility that's officially opened in Eaton Bray thanks to the hard work of a village teenager.
Chris North stood in front of parish councillors aged just 11 and gave a presentation on why the group should consider opening and skate and cycle park at the School Lane recreation area.
Since then he and his friends, who are all skating and BMX enthusiasts, have worked with the council to make the dream a reality.
On Saturday the amenity was given an official opening attended by professional and amateur sportsmen, Dunstable mayor Cllr Patricia Russell, and Chris, now 15, who cut the ribbon.
A competition was held throughout the day which saw users perform an increasing number of breathtaking manoeuvres.
Trophies, sponsored by the village tennis club who are keen to support young people in sport, were presented to BMX rider Curtis Marshalleck of Leagrave and skateboarder Alex DeCunha, 13, from Milton Keynes.
Parish councillor Margret Hawkes said afterwards: "Chris wrote to us in 2006 asking for a skate park. He then appeared at a parish council meeting, supported by his mother and his friends, and gave a very impressive presentation.
"The group has been involved every step of the way. They are committed and passionate and we are in no doubt that we made the right decision to proceed.
"There's little for young people in a village and this facility is being incredibly well supported. We have people of all ages using it.
"It's taken the young people off the street corners and out of the bus shelters and into the park which is now busier than ever."
The bowl was actually installed in October and has been in constant use. The official launch was delayed until the spring to capture the good weather.
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
