ENTHUSIASM is mounting for skate parks proposed for sports centre sites.

A public meeting outlining proposals for three parks suitable for BMX bikers, skateboarders and in-line skaters, attracted a big turn-out at Meadowfield Sports Centre, near Durham, earlier this week.

Further meetings, at Abbey Sports Centre, Pity Me, on Monday, and at Belmont Community Association, on Monday, February 3, will give details of the other parks planned elsewhere in the city council area.

The Durham Skate Park Partnership, of police, council and young people's group representatives, aims to meet the demand for facilities of the three pastimes by developing parks next to sports centres.

Young enthusiasts have campaigned for permanent sites after falling foul of the authorities for using areas including a disused riverside warehouse, the steps at County Hall, and in car parks at Sainsbury's, at the Arnison Centre,and alongside Durham University's science complex.

Police community safety officer PC Sue Flannigan said she was impressed by the attendance, particularly the number of younger people, at the first of the public meetings this week.

She said: "I go to a lot of public meetings in this role and by any standards there was an excellent turnout, half of whom must have been in the younger age group.

"It was a frank exchange of views, with people outlining their preferences and concerns for safety issues.

"Designs were put forward which the audience were able to look at and comment on.

"We hope for a similar response at the two coming meetings."

With a few amendments, the proposals are expected to go forward for planning approval later this year.

The main hurdle then would be meeting the cost, estimated at between £250,000 and £300,000, for the three parks.

Meanwhile, the project partners are looking at other possible sources of funding to tap into.