YOUNGSTERS who have been campaigning for more activities for young people are delighted at plans for an £88,000 skatepark.

The proposed skatepark is to be built next to Teesdale Leisure Centre, in Barnard Castle, and funding has already been secured to develop the site.

The nearest skatepark to Barnard Castle is in Thornaby, near Stockton, and the need for better facilities for young people living in Teesdale was a key finding in a Market Towns Initiative Healthcheck.

Youngsters have been working with Teesdale Leisure Services, County Durham Investing in Children and Teesdale Community Resources to develop the facilities.

Keith Jones, an education in the community worker at Teesdale Community Resources, said: "We've been working to politicise young people and now we're beginning to see the fruits of our labour.

"The young people here are delighted as they've been saying one of the biggest problems is that there's nothing for them to do.

"We've been working on a number of projects and it's all coming together."

Among those providing funding for the skatepark are Teesdale District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, the Arts Council and the European Rural Development Fund.

The skatepark is expected to self-finance its running costs of £4,500 per year.

Members will be charged a £16 annual fee, and there will be charges for casual users.

The sports centre will also sell and hire skateboard equipment.

The park will be supervised at peak times and Teesdale Leisure Services will install closed-circuit television cameras to minimise anti-social behaviour. Members will also be expected to sign a code of behaviour.

Young people will be involved in the final design of the project, and will work with an artist to develop a piece of permanent public art at the site.

The skatepark plan has been supported by the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust.

Health promotion specialist Ken Ross said: "This skatepark is an excellent opportunity for young people in this community to take part in physical activities in a safe environment within their local area, giving them all the benefits of improved health and prevention of disease in later life."

Teesdale District Council's economic affairs committee will meet later today to approve the scheme, subject to planning consent.