A PARTNERSHIP behind plans to create three skate parks is hopeful of attracting almost £250,000 to fulfil its aim.

But it has been criticised for choosing an existing play park as one of the sites.

The Durham Skate Park Partnership, made up of police, council and young people's representatives, was established in response to the lack of facilities for young skateboarders.

Skateboarders campaigned for designated sites after the police frequently moved them on from a disused riverside warehouse, the steps at County Hall, car parks at Sainsbury's and the Arnison Centre, and at Durham University's science complex.

The partnership proposed creating parks suitable for skateboarders, BMX bikers and in-line skaters in Belmont, Pity Me and Meadowfield.

It held public meetings to discuss the proposals, and said those attending received them with enthusiasm.

The partnership has applied to Durham City Council for outline planning permission for the three skating parks.

It has also submitted bids for £250,000 funding.

Police community safety officer, PC Sue Flannigan, said: "The majority of funding will come from outside bodies and we have a number of applications pending.

"We have received very good advice so we are pretty optimistic.

"We would like to see work beginning by the end of the year."

But Erica Denholm, 26, who has a two-year-old son, and whose home at Moor Crescent, Gilesgate, would back on to the Belmont skate park, is against it being developed.

She said: "It is a children's play park with a small slide, two climbing frames and swings at the moment.

"Gilesgate is full of families with young children, but there will soon be nowhere for those children to go.

"Instead of segregating different age groups to different parks, the council should be making facilities available for the whole family to spend time together."

PC Flannigan said residents would have a chance to comment on the proposals before a decision is made on the planning applications.

She said: "Our main priority is young people who are often excluded by all agencies.

A council spokeswoman said: "The proposed sites of the skate parks have been chosen with care to be accessible, safe for youngsters, but not too close to the city centre and heavy traffic.