New floodlights at Exmouth skatepark hailed a success

The four energy-efficient LED lights at Phear Park's skatepark now allow skaters and BMXers to enjoy the park late into the night.

The lights automatically switch on at dusk and remain on until 10pm, with two of them switching off five minutes early to ensure safe packing up.

BMXer Keith Barlow, who tried out the new lights, said: "The new lights are excellent.

"It’s really good being able to use the skatepark in the evenings under the floodlights."

Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: "Thank you to everyone who supported this fantastic scheme, especially people who saw the benefits the floodlights would bring.

From left: Cllr Gazzard (Exmouth Town Council Deputy Mayor), Cllr Stott, Cllr Jung and Cllr Whibley visited the skatepark (Image: East Devon District Council)

"These new lights show we listened to the community and we invested in this safe space for young people."

Councillor Joe Whibley, Exmouth Town Council mayor and East Devon District Council’s Exmouth Town ward councillor, said: "After many challenges, I'm delighted that the lights are on and giving people the chance to skate until later in the evening.

"I'd also like to thank former councillor Millar for helping to secure the funding for this project."

The lights were funded by a partnership of Exmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council.

The Phear Park skatepark, popular with all ages of skateboarders, skaters, and people on scooters, has been in use since the 1990s.

It is used by both professional skaters and newcomers learning the sport from scratch.