A MEETING today could finally set the date for the opening of a skating park in Richmond.

A site has been located and the money found to cover the cost of the facilities, with the help and support of more than 100 youngsters who would use them.

Although there are still issues which need to be clarified, the Richmond Skate Park Committee, which has campaigned for seven years, expects to confirm an opening date later today.

Controversy surrounded the project when it first emerged, particularly in light of the the location.

The swimming pool area was ruled out early on, along with another in Reeth Road, which left the town's Ronaldshay Park as the only viable alternative.

At first, residents in the area won the council's sympathy when Richmond YMCA submitted a planning application for the facilities.

There were fears the park would lead to late-night noise and disturbance, and Richmondshire District Council's planning committee was persuaded to reject the scheme, albeit on the chairman's casting vote.

A revised design that included an earth mound to screen the site and reduce noise won the authority over, and the hunt began for funding.

Most of the £60,000 needed has been raised, and the park is expected to open in the autumn.

Richmond Skate Park Committee chairman Jane Metcalfe, a former chairman of the district authority who stood down as a councillor earlier this year, said there were times when she feared the project would never get off the ground.

She said the responsible attitude of many of the children who have helped with the scheme deserved some reward.

She said: "We should recognise, with the involvement of the district council, the town council, the YMCA and the children themselves, this has been a true community project and I just hope the young people who use the facility will respect what it has taken to achieve."