Skaters left in the cold

Denbigh skaters want a facility in their town

Skateboard enthusiasts who have campaigned for more than 12 months for a designated park have been left "disheartened" by their long wait.

More than twelve months ago, teenagers living in Denbigh began lobbying for an arena to cater for people with skateboards, BMX bikes, scooters and roller skates.

But they say while similar facilities have opened across the county, they have been left out.

"It's very disheartening, we've been swept aside really," said David Neal, who began heading the campaign on behalf of his children.

The one in Rhyl got it because it's described as an underprivileged area David Neal

Earlier this month north Wales' biggest skate park opened in Denbighshire.

Youngsters have helped design the £160,000 park in Rhyl, which has been funded by a Welsh Assembly Government initiative.

"The one in Rhyl got it because it's described as an underprivileged area," said Mr Neal.

The county's other £27,000 skate park at Prestatyn, which opened in February, has been named "No Fear" by its users.

Skaters can use facilities in Rhyl and Prestatyn

The money for the scheme has been made available through the Welsh assembly's Communities First initiative, a regeneration scheme targeting the most deprived areas of Wales.

Further skate parks in Ruthin and St Asaph are being discussed.

"We still definitely want one in Denbigh, for kids to go to St Asaph they would need to get a bus," Mr Neal said.

"We want one where the kids can walk to."

Denbighshire County Council has said it is committed to developing wheeled sport facilities throughout the county.