YOUNGSTERS are on the verge of securing a long-awaited skateboard park - just a month after councillors rejected the scheme.

Plans to create the feature in Ronaldshay Park, Richmond, were initially greeted by opposition from residents of nearby homes.

But, despite throwing the proposals out last month, Richmondshire District Council has this week granted planning permission for the local YMCA to start work.

Members of the authority's new environment committee were told by development control chief Peter Featherstone that a revised application had addressed the concerns of objectors and planners.

Land levels had been reduced and better landscaping included, he said.

The position of the skate park had also been altered to reduce potential noise and disturbance.

Goalposts in a football "kickabout" area are also to be moved away from nearby footpaths.

The skate area had sparked fears about a possible increase in late-night drinking and vandalism, as had been witnessed at similar sites elsewhere in North Yorkshire.

However, Councillor John Harris told the meeting: "Skateboarders don't seem to be the sort of people to create a threatening group. Some people say a park should only be grassed areas and shouldn't have equipment.

"However, a park is really about public recreation and having equipment to make that possible is part of the overall purpose of a park.

"We have tried and tried for years and years and have not come across a better site than Ronaldshay Park.

"It is central, near car parking, near a bus route, within public sight and I think it is the best option."

Councillor Wendy Morton praised the hard work and dedication of the young people who had brought forward the application.

"We are here to represent all the people of Richmondshire and there are times when I think we let down the youngsters," she said.

"They have put an awful lot of effort into this. We have highlighted problems and they have gone away and addressed them.