YOUNG people campaigning for a skate park in Stratton St Margaret have been dealt yet another blow.

Swindon Council's cabinet had been due to discuss last night whether the £42,000 plan should go ahead.

But the item has been withdrawn from the agenda because, the council says, the necessary reports are yet to be finalised.

The proposed park is backed by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council.

David Roberts, chairman of its recreation committee, said: "We did hope that, with the new administration at Swindon Council, we would make some progress.

"But I am led to believe that the skateboard park has been removed from the agenda of the meeting.

"There may be a reason for it, but I am not aware of it.

"The borough council is looking to build a number of smaller skateboard parks at various locations in the borough. I only hope they don't have as many problems getting planning permission as we have."

Swindon Council spokeswoman, Lynda Fleming, said she understood the item had been withdrawn from the agenda because one of the reports needed by councillors before they considered the matter had yet to be finalised. But she added: "The item is expected to be on the agenda for January 16."

This is the latest chapter in an often bitter campaign that has dragged on for about two years.

Young people, and many adults, have campaigned for a skate park at Dorcan Fields in Greenbridge Road.

They argue that such a park would allow young people to skate in peace without the endangering themselves or others. However, many other local people claim such a park would be a magnet for bad behaviour.

Earlier this year, they forced an £8,000 parish poll into the issue.

Of the 1,567 people who voted, 900 came out against the proposal and 666 in favour.

The parish council overruled the decision because less than 10 per cent of the electorate voted.

But it then emerged that, under the terms of its ownership of the site, the parish was obliged to seek formal planning permission for the park.