COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Skateboarders have been branded a “nuisance” by a councillor who has welcomed measures to prevent the activity in areas of Coventry city centre.



Jim O’Boyle, councillor for St Michael’s, first hit out at skateboarders last year following complaints from residents near to IKEA, in the city centre.

At the time, his comments prompted backlash from skaters who called on the council to provide viable alternative city centre locations.

Now Coventry City Council has installed skateboarding deterrents, such as metal studs, at locations including Gosford Street, Little Park Street and Priory Place.

Coun O’Boyle said: “I pointed out It’s about nuisance as well as potential or actual damage as I made clear publicly last year.”

He added: “I am pleased that these measures are part of a response to this problem and have pressed the officers to consider areas in the city centre where people actually live and have had this nuisance inflicted on them previously.

“Around the IKEA building opposite Starley Road and Vicroft Court, attention will be paid to implementing similar skateboard deterrent features which I welcome.”