RESIDENTS' objections have prompted a meeting to discuss a proposal for a new skate park in Richmond.

People with homes overlooking the town's Ronaldshay Park warned they would resist any plans for facilities nearby. They are concerned the park could become a meeting place for troublemakers and a source of noise and disturbance.

Their concern was enough to halt any vote on the proposal when Richmondshire District Council's planning committee met on Tuesday.

However, the authority has been warned it will have to make a decision one way or another by the end of the month - or miss out on the opportunity to apply for grants to help pay for a skate park.

A special meeting has been called for Tuesday, March 26, giving residents a chance to have their say, and the council enough time to bid for funding should the scheme win approval.

Councillor John Blackie said there was a danger a skate park would never be built.

"If we are not careful, every proposal put forward will be refused because of the concerns of neighbours," he said. "If we say no on every occasion, we will never get a skateboard park and the youngsters will be disappointed and disillusioned."