Thank you for the recent front page coverage of the issues surrounding Bridport’s outdoor skate park, and our efforts to ensure safe and inclusive provision through the resurrection of the popular Trick Factory indoor park.

It was unfortunate that the weather then prevented us from holding our follow-up meeting last week.

We’re grateful to the News and to our Tourist Information Centre for alerting the public to this cancellation.

The new date for our meeting is Saturday, March 31, when we will gathering at the Town Hall at 10am.

Anyone in any way interested is very welcome to join us.

Bridport Skate boarders, BMX bikers and scooterists live in a town that had created West Dorset’s first outdoor skate park, visited by others from far afield.

Thanks to the tireless voluntary work of Rob Ridge and others, Bridport also boasted an indoor park that attracted enthusiasts from far and wide.

Now, with serious issues of safety being raised in relation to the outdoor park, and with the Trick Factory recently forced to close after seventeen years of voluntary service to young people, it’s not surprising that so many are feeling let down.

Many have known and used the Trick Factory for the duration of their lives – it’s part of their heritage.

Bridport is a town that is proud and protective of its heritage; let’s not forget that heritage belongs to everyone, including the youngest amongst us.


Arthur Woodgate
Chairman of the Skate Park Steering Group
Secretary of BYPAT 
(Bridport Young Persons
 Action Trust)