COUNCILLORS in Guisborough have been accused of turning a flagship children's play area into a prison.

A furious resident was at last Thursday's town council meeting to vent his anger over the new skate park at King George V field. Mr Stuart Burns attacked the erection of fencing around the field.

It was put up after a protest from other residents who claimed their lives were being made hell by youths gathering at the site.

"The fence is an abomination," said Mr Burns, who lives in Woodhouse Road. He insisted there was no problem with youngsters using the park.

"People are more concerned about golfers, dog-fouling and motorbikers," he said.

But in July, the council had to act after a delegation from the Woodhouse Road area complained bitterly about noise from the skate-board facility, foul language and late-night vandalism by youths. The park was said to be a victim of its own success by attracting scores of youngsters.

Councillors, proud of the scheme which followed a pioneering consultation exercise with residents, decided to bring in security patrols as an interim measure before fencing off the site between 10pm and 8am.

"Has this council got something against children," said Mr Burns, who also said residents had not been given chance to comment on plans for the fencing. "This is a 7ft fence to keep kids from a skate park we are supposed to be proud of."

Council chairman, Coun Brian Whiteley, said: "We had complaints about use of the field late at night. We were given options and decided on fencing off at night."

Mr Burns said: "This is like giving a child a sweet then taking it away."

Coun Shelagh Holyoake, who was chairman when the KGV scheme was launched earlier this year, said: "Children should not be up at the time the park is locked. We are trying to protect the area for the very young ones."

In direct contrast to earlier complaints, Mr Burns said there was no noise problem from the skate park.

"You are going to make the field a prison," he told councillors.

Coun Whiteley said: "It would not have been there at all if it had not been for the council."

Coun Keith Pudney said the council was committed to providing a number of play areas around the town.

Coun Dave Punshon said action to create a junior play area at the site was being delayed until the skate park situation was brought under control.

The council clerk, Pam Batts, said: "The council initiated and funded and is proud of KGV. This is a damage-limitation exercise. We don't want to spoil it for the children, it is just a question of control."

Mr Burns accused the council of a 'knee-jerk reaction.'

Coun Anne Franklin said: "There would not have been anything for children if we had not done this. We have to protect KGV from the yobs and a fence was the only way."

Mr Burns said: "It is a disgrace. There is nothing there for young children."

Coun Franklin said that was the next stage of the council's plan.

Coun Pandora Kilby said: "It will happen, just a little later than planned as extra cash has been spent on the fence.