COUNCIL officers in Hartlepool are to consult with skateboarders and residents about introducing a skateboard park to the town.

Members of the borough council's culture forum recently visited a mobile skate park in Spennymoor, County Durham. Now, skateboarders and residents are being urged to complete questionnaires about inline skating and BMX biking. One of the questions residents are being asked is whether they would like to see improvements at the Mill House facility, the introduction of a mobile skate park or more and better skate parks elsewhere in the town. Many skateboarders currently use Victory Square which has led to complaints. Copies of the questionnaire can be obtained from the Civic Centre, Mill House Leisure Centre and all libraries. They should be completed and returned by Monday, September 15.

blaze damage: A fire started in an old settee in a front garden at Hemlington, near Middlesbrough, early yesterday sparked a blaze which destroyed a window frame at the house in Crimdon Close.

MAIL DESTROYED: A quantity of mail was destroyed when vandals started a fire in a postbox in Cambridge Road, Middlesbrough, on Monday night.

MARATHON CHANCE: Butt- erwick Hospice Care has places in the New York Marathon, which is taking place on Sunday, November 2. For more information, contact Sarah Eldon on (01642) 624231.

WEEKLY MEETINGS: Cleve-land Retired Men's Association meets every Wednesday in the Royal British Legion Club, Lobster Road, Redcar and not the Regency Hotel. Doors open between 9am and 9.30am with coffee served at 9.45am. Guest speakers will take the floor at 10.30am and meetings usually last about an hour.

CHURCH FUNDRAISING: A coffee morning to raise money for church funds at Newcomen Methodist Church, Mersey Road, Redcar, is being held on Saturday, September 13, between 10am and 11.30am. Admission is 50p.