Support for skate park ramped up

Skaters could have a purpose-built park on Marine Drive

A disused compound on Scarborough's Marine Drive could become the welcome haunt of teenagers in the town with the provision of a skate and bike park.

The site is close to a spot known locally as Hairy Bob's Cave and has already attracted support of the town's civic society and skaters.

The site looks out across the North Sea and one of the Victorian shelters could be moved to the location.

Civic Society vice-chairman Richard Flowitt said it would benefit the town.

Viewing area

Mr Flowitt said: "The land had been used as a builders' yard during the Marine Drive renovations

"It's nicely contained between the slope of the castle and Marine Drive and seems ideal from that point of view."

The only concern had been the distance from the town centre, but Mr Flowitt thought during the summer months it would not deter skaters.

He said that the society thought a possible inclusion in the plans could be a specifically designed public viewing area for people to watch the skaters performing.

He added that one point the society had considered was the possible relocation of one of the Victorian shelters in the area being moved nearer the park to provide shelter for skaters during bad weather.