‘Save Rush’ – petition launched to keep world-class skate park in Brimscombe

The world-leading skate park is being forced to find a new home as part of Stroud District Council’s multi million pound project to regenerate the historic port into modern housing, shops and cafes.

Rush’s owners, Jerry and Michelle Norman, are working with the council to relocate the business somewhere in the Five Valleys, but warn they could be forced to move outside the district if nowhere is found in the next six months.

However, users and supporters of award-winning skate park are now demanding the authority re-think its blueprint for the area so the Rush does not have to move at all.

The petition says: “Rush Skatepark is facing closure in 2019 due to the Stroud District Council's (SDC) plans to regenerate the Port of Brimscombe.

“If forced to leave to make way for new homes, the skate park will have to relocate to another premises.

“It is uncertain if a suitable building will become available in Stroud and as such, Rush may have to relocate out of the community.

“We believe that Rush Skatepark provides a positive environment and is highly beneficial resource for the youth in our community. It serves all age groups and abilities in a safe friendly atmosphere.

“We are in favour of maintaining Rush Skatepark in the Port of Brimscombe as a unique and important youth and community recreation centre and for its inclusion in future development plans for the Brimscombe Port site.”

The petition, which has so far gathered just over 800 signatures, will be delivered to SDC, Brimscombe councillor Martin Whiteside and council leader Steve Lydon.

Many of the signatures come from parents and users across the country who have visited the skate park for competitions there in the past.

Lisa Manager said: “You simply cannot afford to lose this amazing facility. It plays an important role not only in the community but worldwide.

“With skateboarding having recently been announced as an Olympic sport you have one of the very best in the UK in Rush, to lose it would be a massive oversight on the council’s part.

“So many towns would like to have this park and value it to its full. Please make sure you do all you can to keep it.”

Cameron Burr said: “Rush skatepark has changed my life. It's a place for any ages, disciplines and joins the community together.

“It has helped me with so much and everyone there have inspired me and changed me as a person.”

Emily Mann added: “My son is sponsored by the park and this facility is world class and has brought a facility to grow and develop an up and coming sport.

“It's brought jobs and money into Stroud and should have the support of the council to remain in Stroud.”

Philip Tomlinson commented: “Honestly I know a petition brimming with signatures won’t be enough to stop the council ridding Stroud of such a phenomenal facility, as finding space of the right size and calibre isn’t easy in a small town.

“But losing Rush would be a travesty. Not just for the people of Gloucestershire, but for the skate, blade, BMX and scoot community nationwide.

“Please believe me when I say a lot of people need rush, including me, my friends and what I originally hoped would be my future kids too. Please find a way to make this work and keep Rush Skatepark in Stroud.”

With fans and supporters around the world and a large and dedicated social media following, the petition is expected to skyrocket over the next few weeks.

Ben Wilkinson, 22, from Ebley, one of Rush’s many pro riders, said: “I feel that it would be a huge mistake for the council to take away such an amazing skate park.

“I don't think they really understand how much the park has affected the local community, or even the national or international communities.

“As a rider who has travelled around the world in pursuit of riding the best skate parks, I can safely say that Rush is 100 per cent up there with the very best skate parks on the planet and it would be a travesty to see it go.

“Also, as someone who has worked at the park from its opening year, I have seen the park grow from a small community of riders to a global sports arena that has attracted all manner of riders from around the world.

“Globally there are very few skate parks that hold this status and after getting know all of the staff over the years, Rush will not simply be left to die out.

“If anything, this is only the beginning for a new stage in the life of Rush Skatepark.”

However, overturning the council’s decision on the 40,000sqft warehouse’s inclusion in its plans will be no easy task.

SDC wants to transform the waterside area into 200 houses, shops bars and cafes and last year received £2 million in funding from the Government to kick start the project.

A spokesman for SDC said: “We can fully understand the concern about the future of Rush Skatepark.

“We fully recognise and appreciate the fantastic facility that Jerry and Michelle have created there.

“We intend to work even more closely with them on their relocation options and we’ll look at every realistic opportunity.”

It plans to end Rush’s lease of the council-owned building in early 2019 so work can progress.

• Click here to see the petition.