Despite Ramparts trying to do a service for the community by providing a safe and fun place to skate, blade and ride, Dudley Council has always charged us rent at high commercial rates. For a number of years we have been trying to discuss these rates so that they reflect the valuable role we believe we play in our community - so far with little agreement.

In July 2007 our lease on the Bell Street site is due to expire. We are attempting to re-negotiate an extension but the Council are unwilling to discuss this with us until we have cleared the backlog of rent we still owe them.

We are writing to appeal for your help in repaying our debts to Dudley council so that we can stay open at the Bell Street site.

Since the council charge us at these commercial rates we currently owe several thousand pounds in rent despite us trying to do something for the benefit of the whole area. We cannot afford to pay this without compromising the costs to our members by massively raising our charges. We are very resistant to doing this and we know that members do not want it either; none of us want Ramparts to be open to only the wealthy of the area. Indeed, we are applying for funding to make access to the park free but this will only be an option once the rent is paid up.

Are you in contact with any local companies that may be able to assist us? Could you donate any money, organise a sponsored event or think of any other ideas? We would be most grateful for any assistance you can offer with this problem as we’d like to resolve this issue with the council as soon as possible, hopefully, by Christmas. Please contact us with any thoughts, suggestions or ideas you may have that you think will help us keep Ramparts going past next summer.

Thank you,

Yours hopefully,

Lois Bramall
Tel: 01384 345800
Mob: 07968006142
Email: info@skateramparts.co.uk