TEENAGE skateboarders voiced their claim for a purpose-built park, at a meeting called by Crick-lade Town Council.

More than 40 members of the public attended the open meeting to discuss plans to create an area where skateboarders can practice their skills without posing a risk to pedestrians.

New town clerk Keith Hayes said: "The meeting was just a chance for all the interested parties to discuss the various options open to them.

"There were no decisions made at this stage, but there was a lot of constructive discussion."

He explained that the points raised will help inform a full council meeting, on August 5, where councillors will be asked to make a full decision.

The youngsters' preferred site for the new skate park is south of the youth centre.

The Cricklade skaters have been calling for a dedicated site since November 2000, when town councillors asked what facilities young people would most like to have.

But opponents of the scheme fear that it will become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, litter and drug taking.

But at previous meetings, where the skaters have made detailed presentations, the youngsters stressed that it was in their interests to keep the area tidy and litter free.

And they claim that maintenance costs will be low because the ramp would be made of concrete and steel.

The total cost of the project is likely to be about £40,000.

And if it goes ahead, the skaters hope to secure grants from various bodies, including the National Lottery, although most of the funding would come from the town and district councils.