Horse racing law halts skate park dream in Lincoln's West Common

“The devil is always in the detail, Jane. That's why the every single attempt to find a location for this facility so far has failed. The council seemed determined to press on regardless, no doubt spending hundreds of thousands of pounds of council tax in the process, before construction even begins.

Perhaps they could focus their attention and cash on Whitton's Park next door instead? Only one of its three toddler swings has been working for over a year now, and the carousel ride has been broken for as long as I can remember. Perhaps those "kids" just aren't as important - what do you think, Jane?

You may think that debating the suitability of Hobblers Hole for a skate park is tantamount to having a negative attitude. You're entitled to that opinion, and I'm entitled to mine. I only wish you could be civil!”

“The devil's always in the detail, Jane. That's why every single attempt to build this attraction so far has failed. The council seem determined to press on, no doubt spending hundreds of thousands of pounds of our council tax in the process, to find a location at any cost.

Perhaps the council could spend as much effort rejuvenating Whitton's Park next door - it's had one working swing out of three for over a year now. And the carousel ride has been broken for as long as I can remember. Perhaps those "kids" aren't as important?

You may believe that debating the suitability of a skate park on Hobblers Hole suggests I have a negative attitude, Jane. You're entitled to your opinion, and I'm entitled to mine. I just wish you could be civil!”

“The devil will be in the detail. If there is suitable planting around it so kids can have a skate park without it looking awful, then great. Be nice if they improve the public footpath too.

You'll be very pleased that I've googled. From what I've read it's acknowledged that Hobblers is a shadow of its former self. Perhaps we can help the council with the site and make it better.

This is called a positive attitude. I know it's scary and alien to you, but give it a try. You never know, you just might like it...”

“I suspect that an 800 sqm concrete skate park perched on the hillside would draw even your eye Jane. Unless you do all your driving at night, that is - which could explain a lot!

I'm not "taking arms" at all - this development has failed to find a suitable home for a number of years, and now it seems that the latest proposal will be more visible and more disruptive than anything previously proposed. Call me sceptical, but it seems that the suitability of the location is a secondary driver to the council than actually getting the thing built - for whatever reason.

Like you, I'm happy to look at the consultation when it happens. I do hope they organise a night-time session especially for you though!”

“Really? Does Francis know you've borrowed his pope-Wagon? Not sure about your driving style, but I would doubt whether the majority of people would possibly glimpse Hobblers Hole when going past on either road.

From the plan the proposal looks very small. There's also talk of improved footpaths and landscaping. IF and I mean IF the proposal gets this right then I'd be happy with it. If the council just plan on plonking a block of concrete down, then no, I wouldn't support it.

For now I'll wait and see what the promised consultation turns up and what the plans actually are before I leap to conclusions and take arms against it.

Glad you're smiling.”

“And my point about the seasons was in response to you subjectively choosing a picture of a field in winter and implying it was a bit barren!

Considering you're a professed lover of nature, you must have known that was hardly representative!”

“I'm smiling!

I'll just say this - I can also see Hobblers Hole from Carholme Road, in my car. I saw it this morning in fact. I don't know how you can't, but I can only say what I can see!

So that's Long Leys Road, Carholme Road and probably Yarborough Road. My original point is still valid, whether you believe it or not, Jane!”

“According to your earlier post you would see it when DRIVING into Lincoln from either the south or west and it would be a CARBUNKLE on the landscape. Now you are carefully positioning yourself no doubt on foot and trying to justify your earlier comment.

Hmmm south or west? Are you likely to see it from Tritton Road as well now. Your Terminator style satellite interface must be truly impressive.

Is it winter still or spring now? Not sure. So the Hole (or hill as you've now changed it to) is a bit more verdant in the summer. Well I never. What a shock. You still have failed to explain what wonders of nature would be affected by a tiny skate park.

Getting a grip is well meaning advice Andrew.

Keep smiling x”

“Regarding your comments on "nature", the photo on The Lincolnite is taken in winter so understandably looks like scrubland. Try coming back in summer. Or better still google "Hobblers Hill" to see some alternate views.”

“So I'm stood on Long Leys Road at the moment looking straight at Hobblers Hole halfway up the hill. I can also see the cars driving along the top of Yarborough road from this vantage point so I'm guessing they can all see it too. Perhaps that's all "nonsense" too? Maybe my proportions are all wrong?!?

You may not understand how telling someone to "get a grip" is insulting - I suspect many would.”