YOUNGSTERS are unable to use a skate and bike park during the winter nights because there are no lights.

The park was opened by the Durham Skate and Bike Partnership next to the Abbey Leisure Centre at Newton Hall, Durham, in September.

The partnership, which includes Investing in Children and Durham City Council, built the £30,000 park to provide beginners with a venue for their hobby.

In the past, skateboarders have caused damage by practising their stunts on the steps of County Hall.

But with darkness falling soon after youngsters get home from school, the park can only be used at weekends or in holidays because there is insufficient lighting.

Martin Peace, of Newton Hall, whose 15-year-old son Jamie is a skating enthusiast, said: "I was informed that due to complaints received about the skatepark, no lighting was to be installed in order not to encourage young people to skate during an evening in the winter months.

"This was a number of weeks ago now and there may be plans in place for lighting to be installed, but how long do the skaters have to wait?"

Mr Peace, who helped raise money for the project, has brought the issue to the council's attention.

He said: "The only light present is one above the fire escape of the sports centre.

"This is just enough to encourage young people to come along and try to skate but not enough to prevent accidents due to poor lighting. When, if ever, will suitable lighting be installed?"

He said he had been told that lighting might not be installed because of complaints about the park being used at night, but he said a light timed to go off when the sports centre closed, could be installed.

Youngsters are now skating in other places in the town, such as the rear of the Arnison Centre, which is causing more complaints from local residents.

A spokesman for Durham City Council said lighting would be considered at a meeting in January.

"If the partnership wants to go ahead with better lighting we will help with that. There is some ambient light, but when that disappears it is pitch black. Lighting was never thought of."