COUNCILLORS have given approval to plans for a skatepark.

The park, which will cost £88,000, will be built next to Teesdale Leisure Centre, in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Teesdale District Council's economic affairs policy committee gave approval to the scheme, subject to planning consent.

The council will contribute £15,000 towards the cost of development, and applications for grants have also been submitted to the Arts Council and the European Development Fund.

Some councillors were concerned that skateboarding was a fashionable hobby which would soon pass.

However, leisure manager Paul Branch said: "The good thing about this development is it won't just be for skateboarding, it can be used for in-lining, BMXs and scooters as well.

"But if you look at the retail industry, skateboarding is selling everywhere."

The project came about after a need for better facilities for young people living in Teesdale was a key finding in a Market Towns Initiative Healthcheck.

Young people have been involved in the project from the beginning, working with Teesdale Leisure Services, County Durham Investing in Children and Teesdale Community Resources to develop the facilities.