TWO £30,000 skate parks for Derwentside look set to get the go-ahead next week.

A report to Derwentside District Council published yesterday earmarks Belle Vue Leisure Centre, in Consett, and the King's Head playing fields, in Stanley, as venues for the facilities and recommends that work on the parks starts immediately.

Officials are also asking for £2,000 a year to pay for maintenance.

Councillor Alex Watson, leader of the council, said: "I am very thrilled about this.

"We have identified funds that could deliver skate parks by April of next year. The kids have done their own sketches of how they want it to look. They know what they want and we will not interfere."

The funding is part of a programme by the council to invest in young people and get them more involved in local government. If the scheme gets the go-ahead, it will be designed and managed by the youngsters.

Coun Watson said the cash would be a reward for the hard work which young people had already put into the project.

"We felt it was important to offer them something after the way they have taken responsibility," he said.

"Hopefully, from them will spring the future young citizens of Derwentside."

About seven pieces of equipment such as ramps and rails will go on each site to start with but their design and location will ensure that future funding could mean more equipment being added. The youngsters are now putting together a National Lottery bid for equipment.

The council launched the project last year when it gave the Young People's Committee £10,000 for projects. The youngsters opted to use the cash to attract further funding for the skate parks.

Council officers ran consultation days in schools across the district, resulting in an overwhelming vote for parks in Consett and Stanley.

The executive will make a decision on the parks when it meets in Consett Civic Centre, on Monday, at 4pm.