This Is Guernsey

By Thom Ogier

Dave Riley does a move known as a pop shove at the loading bay at Timmer Ltd, an area donated by the owner who says a permanent skatepark for youngsters would benefit the island. (Picture by Alasdair Round, 0580663)

SKATERS need somewhere to go, according to a sympathetic islander who decided not to chase them off his property.

George Timmer, of Timmer Ltd in Rue de L’Epinel, Forest, said that when skaters began to use the loading bay of his warehouse as a miniature skatepark, he realised they had nowhere else go.

‘The kids don’t really have a recreation area around here and nobody shows them much tolerance so when I see them skateboarding I just ask them to please clear up after themselves,’ he said.

Mr Timmer said he would not protest as long as the skaters were safe and did not litter, but he thought a more sensible solution could be found for them.

‘There could be a community building project where the kids are given an area such as a car park to use as long as they manage it and keep it tidy. There are some nice teens around here who could probably do a good job of taking care of the place.’

He described a skatepark as being an ideal place for the youngsters to meet, keep active and be safe.

Grammar School students Craig Corlett, 17, and Nick Brouard, 18, have been skateboarding on Mr Timmer’s ramps for more than three years.

‘We come here because it’s one of the only places we can go that’s good for skating and we have a mutual agreement with the owner, who we are very grateful to,’ said Mr Corlett.

‘Many people complain about us and few are willing to help us, but as long as we clear up our rubbish, Mr Timmer never gives us any trouble,’ said Mr Brouard.

He said sports such as skateboarding and BMX bike-riding kept youngsters out of trouble.

‘A lot of people, including my friends, have got up to bad things when they have nothing to do and nothing to focus on or enjoy.’

‘These sports give us a great deal. They aren’t too expensive, they keep you fit and give people an interest and something to share,’ he said.

The boys said they were always careful not to damage the property or cars that sometimes park there and they try to stay out of people’s way.

‘If they are going to be nice enough to let us be here, then of course we are happy to go by their rules,’ said Mr Brouard.

Guernsey Bicycle Group chairman Francis Paul said he thought the landowner had behaved admirably towards the boys.

‘The island needs people like Mr Timmer who don’t stand on progress but act with sympathy and have a philanthropic, paternal attitude to youngsters,’ he said.

He agreed that a skatepark would be good for the island.

‘Hopefully, the park would encourage youngsters with energy to burn to be active and do some cycling,’ he said.

‘For environmental reasons it would be great if people would take a greater interest in bicycles and ride to work or school rather than drive and we welcome all forms of cycling.’