In your story, Skatepark bid hits opposition (Oxford Mail, May 9), you state that in April, 2006, a majority of the local residents living near Cowley Marsh Park surveyed "would like to see a skatepark at the recreation ground".

This survey was conducted online and there was no proof that people who responded live anywhere near Cowley Marsh Park.

Few people replied. This survey asked if people agreed to a small skatepark being built. We now find that a large skatepark, the size of a football pitch, is planned.

We have expressed our views to councillors and to relevant people in the parks department through a petition.

More than 300 people in the immediate locality are opposed to the siting of the skatepark in the recreation ground.

Residents generally support the Oxford Wheels Project (OWP) being given a suitable place to skate, but we believe Cowley Marsh Park is the wrong place for a skatepark of this size.

We are shocked to discover from Jack Richens, of OWP, that the proposals are not for a local skatepark, but for a state-of-the-art facility to serve the entire region. There is no room at all for parking. The marsh is often waterlogged.

The proposal is for the skatepark to open from 9am until 10pm at weekends (opening at 10 am in the week). Next to Cowley Marsh, there is sheltered accommodation for the elderly. People retire there to rest.

Regional competitions mentioned by Mr Richens are not the function of a small skatepark.

The area committee has rejected the proposal. This committee is elected. Now we read in your report that OWP is encouraged to apply for planning permission.

What is the point? Whose money will be wasted in the process of this application? Surely this money is not being culled from our council tax?

City councillor Saj Malik has been helpful and has listened carefully to our concerns.

The area committee has made its decision. Now let us turn our attention towards finding a truly suitable site.

P BARBOUR, Oxford