YOUNG people are set to benefit from a new games area and youth shelter on the former skatepark site in Monkton Park, in Chippenham.

Tonight North Wiltshire District Council will debate spending £30,000 on the new Chippenham facility, in the hope of improving the quality of life for young people.

"It's an ideal site for a multi-use games area," said district council leader David Packham.

"It would be great if we could get it up and running before the summer."

Young people often meet in Monkton Park and frequently gather on the bank above the skatepark site.

Research carried out on 350 teenagers involved with the consultation group Tomorrow's Voice, revealed that parks and open spaces are the second most well used facility for teenagers, and called for more activities and places to meet.

The youth shelter, a seating area open on all sides with a roof over the top, is an idea supported by the Chippenham Area Safety Group. The most likely site is a small Tarmac area next to the former skatepark site.

Monkton Park resident Peter Bishop, who protested against the skatepark because of the noise , said he was disappointed by the plan.

"The area should be restored to its previous condition as parkland," he said.

But Peter Horner, of St Mary Street, who also objected to the skatepark, said he completely supported the idea of using the park for the benefit of children and young people.

"I can't see any problem with this," he said."