A SKATING ramp, climbing wall and a football goal should be on the shopping list for the second phase of the Neyland Playpark project, said town councillors last week.

At a special meeting on Wednesday, members looked at proposals from three play equipment companies, all given a budget of £40,000 to work to.

Members also agreed to take £3,500 from reserves to refurbish the safety surface beneath the existing roundabout and see-saw, and clean up both rides.

‘Toddlers and teens’ were the focus for the next phase, said Mayor Margaret Brace, who said a seating area from which children can be seen, and a picnic area, were vital.

Several councillors said more needed to be done to keep older children and teenagers entertained.

‘Keep it minimalist’ was the suggestion from Cllr Brian Rothero, who proposed a set of football goals or a simple pitch – around one-third the size of the town’s multi use games area (MUGA) - which could easily be made ‘vandal-proof’.

He also pointed to Haverfordwest skatepark always being full, and suggested building scooter ramps and a half-pipe.

Cllr Jenny Rayner agreed, saying she had seen a lot of young people travelling out of the town to use the Haverfordwest skatepark.

But, she added, the council had to be prepared for some complaints about noise, and said the project would need ‘give and take’ from local residents.

“We need to give the teenagers something they will enjoy,” she said.

“They are going to make noise, but they’re our next generation, and if we don’t consider them, why should they respect us?”

Cllr Dennis Stolliday suggested building a ‘graffiti’ wall that could be re-painted when necessary, and which could also incorporate a small climbing wall, and be used to kick or bounce a ball against.

Cllr Judith Wilson praised Waterston play area, which she said could be used by adults too, and Cllr Mike Harry agreed it would be nice to have equipment adults could use for exercise.

Ongoing maintenance costs needed to be factored in if the council was to achieve ‘value for money’, said Cllr Simon Hancock, adding that a local firm would be easier to deal with if repairs cropped up.

Four firms will now be invited to present plans to the council at a special meeting later this year.

Cllr Harry said the council had not spent enough time scrutinising the first phase of the project, which had led to problems down the line.

“It’s got to be done right this time,” he warned.