A MEETING takes place next week on a proposal for a permanent skateboarding area in Bedale.

As first reported three weeks ago, Bedale community education department is investigating setting up a dedicated area for the growing number of young skateboarders to help ensure that they do not become a nuisance.

Some youngsters use sites at and around local schools, but there have been complaints about others using the auction mart car park in Bridge Street. It is feared, there could be an accident.

The community education department said it would have to investigate possible sites, sources of funding, management and insurance of any proper skateboarding area, the location of which had still to be decided.

It is hoped that the idea can be taken a step forward at a meeting in Bedale on Wednesday involving the community education department, representatives of the town council, the police and Mr Dave Goodwin, head of tourism and leisure at Hambleton council.

In Northallerton, it was once hoped that a skateboarding area could be established in Bullamoor memorial park, but it was eventually agreed that at certain times youngsters could use the Applegarth car park, where the necessary ramps are kept in a locked cabin.

Coun Sue Nattrass told Bedale Town Council on Monday that two people had recently said they were almost mown down by skateboarders on the pavement, with the danger of their going through a shop window.

Coun John Weighell, the mayor, said: "It is a major problem in the town at the moment. I am afraid it is getting silly."

Coun Mary Megson said some skateboarders were using the car park at Mowbray school, and then going along the road to the busy Wycar junction.

Deputy mayor Coun John Noone said: "If this can be kept under control on a designated area, it has to be good for the town.

"It is this age group we have had problems with in the past, and if they have latched on to something like skateboarding, it is better than vandalism."

Police have already spoken to several youngsters about skateboarding in the auction mart car park, which is used by heavy lorries as well as cars.

The dedicated area being considered by the community education department could have a ramp and a soft surrounding area.