Rutland residents have called for there to be more on offer for Oakham's young.

The voice advocating for safe spaces for the young in Oakham and Rutland has increased following the rejection of the Centenary Fields skatepark proposal in December 2022.

Following the closure of the county town's swimming pool in 2021, and subsequent complaints made earlier this year that have led to Oakham Town Council limiting the amount of events that can happen in Oakham's Cutts Close, residents from across Rutland have begun to speak out.

Meanwhile, some residents have accused the town council of spending money on 'adult only' or 'vanity projects', such as the £5,000 pledged to the statue of Queen Elizabeth II, the further £5,000 pledged to restore the stained glass at All Saints' Church or the signage and trees (the latter gifted from Rutland County Council) to be installed at Centenary Fields.

One local lady added: "This expense makes it even worse that no money is being spent on facilities for the young."

When the Wilko building closed, some suggested that ti was made into a youth space, or an are that offers a cinema, bowling, arcade games or affordable shops for Oakham's younger population.

Rutland resident of many years, Debbie Rose, added to a conversation had earlier this year by Oakham Nub News readers considering the future of the former home of Wilko, now vacant on Oakham High Street.

Debbie said: "I would like to see Wilko used as a hub for young people of all ages at different times of the day and evening. There is far too little provision for them in Rutland in general and Oakham in particular.

"Firstly, I would like there to be opportunities for them to meet informally in different age groups and within different ability groups.

"I would also like it to be used to facilitate learning in the arts (acting, dance, comedy, music, clowning, acrobatics, etc.) for all sectors of the County's population but especially for young people. As a 75-year-old resident of Oakham, for more than 10 years, I see the ageing population being well-catered for in a variety of ways but facilities for young people are sadly lacking and feel that a co-ordinated hub is what is required."

Another Oakham local, Callum, added: "In my opinion what could be amazing for the young people in Rutland would be a Hollywood Bowl, joined with an arcade. This can provide more jobs and entertain the young people."

This comes as Jon Dixon, the driving force behind Oakham's much-longer-for skate park claims that Oakham Town Council are yet to follow up on the proposal, as they promised, following the rejection in December.

Mr Dixon said: "I've repeatedly asked for updates, progress, but have heard nothing."

Oakham Mayor, Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth, responded: "Oakham Town Council do not own a lot of open space so it has been suggested that the Skatepark Project look into other avenues, such as Rutland county Council or a developer who could give over some space. It was suggested that Willow Crescent park could be used as the equipment there is tired and the park needs a revamp. I was told the area is too small for what they [The Oakham Skatepark Project] want."

What do you think could be done for the young people living in Rutland? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].