SKATEBOARDERS, BMX riders and in-line skating enthusiasts are being urged to attend a meeting tonight to hear about the progress being made towards the provision of new parks.

Police, the city council and youth representatives are at the forefront of the Durham Skate Park Partnership.

The group was formed to provide facilities for enthusiasts of all three sports in Durham and the surrounding villages. Youngsters have regularly found themselves in trouble with police and other authorities for either skateboarding, skating or riding in unauthorised locations, including the steps of County Hall, a disused riverside warehouse in Durham and the Sainsbury's car park, at the Arnison Centre.

Suitable provisional sites have been earmarked next to sports centres at Meadowfield and Pity Me, as well as in Belmont Community Association playing fields.

A public meeting has been called for tonight to offer a progress report on the proposed parks and the efforts to fund them.

City police community safety officer PC Sue Flannigan said some designs drawn up by enthusiasts will also go on show at the meeting, at Meadowfield Sports Centre.

She said: "Everybody is welcome to come along to hear how things are progressing and to see the sorts of designs the young people have for these parks. We are making many inquiries and exploring various avenues to raise funding.

"The partners are really committed to these parks and we will build them ourselves if we need to."

Tonight's meeting starts at 7pm.