A SKATE park could be built in Great Ayton after young people asked for help to prevent them from becoming a nuisance to villagers.

A group of 16 to 18-year-olds approached the parish council to make a case for the creation of a venue in the town.

Now a project to try and create the park has got off the ground.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Heather Moorhouse said the first hurdle was finding suitable land.

She said: “A group of young people aged 16 to 18 felt there was nothing to do in Great Ayton and came along to the parish council meeting.

"They said they recognised they could be a nuisance playing football on the village green - although it wasn’t behaviour that was breaking the law. But one thing they wanted was somewhere to go.”

There are plans to bring a portable skate park to the village in spring or summer of this year, to try and gauge how much interest there would be in a permanent facility in Great Ayton. Hopefully, by then suitable land will have been found.

Coun Moorhouse said: “The most important thing at the moment is to find a venue for the skate park, then find some funding.

“We do have small pockets of land owned by the parish council and we’re working with officers from North Yorkshire County Council.

“But we would like to hear from anyone who may have some suitable land.

“We have to be considerate towards other residents because of the noise factor, but we could put it up on the outskirts of Great Ayton. It also has to be accessible to all.”

Facilities for younger generations in Great Ayton are also being created in the parish’s village hall, which is currently undergoing a refurbishment.

Coun Moorhouse said: “I have been assured by the parish council that the refurbishment of the village hall has finished it will be available to young people in the village as well other groups.

"It will probably be available to them one night a week.”