MOST people who live near the site of a proposed skate park in Darlington are happy with the proposal, according to a ward councillor.

Residents of Parkside and Loraine Crescent recently spoke out against the plan to build the £60,000 facility on the former tennis courts in South Park.

It will be directly opposite their homes and they fear the facility will attract large number of youths who cause problems in the area.

They are also concerned about the noise it will create and adversely affect their house prices.

But Councillor Glen Reynolds, who represents Park East, said most local people approved of the plan.

He said: "Through consultation with local residents, both individually and those who are in the Friends of South Park community group, residents are generally happy with the proposal of a skate boarding site as planned.

"It is unfortunate that when we are keen to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour, some people complain about a well-maintained site constructed in consultation with skate boarders in the town, equipped with CCTV and taking youths off the street and into areas which are historically not a cause of anti-social behaviour. We now have a park manager and ranger who have made themselves available for residents' concerns and council officers have been keen to consider the views of residents.

"This is why consideration will be given to fears over the siting of the skate boarding area, even if these concerns are unjustified."

Darlington Council has received six letters opposing the development from householders. Durham police suggested the equipment should be installed on a brownfield site away from residential areas.

The council is considering other sites.