A SERIES of skate parks could help to meet demand from young enthusiasts without a dedicated area to practise their pastime in Durham.

Following the opening of a skate park in Chester-le-Street last week, three are now earmarked for sites alongside existing sports facilities in the Durham area.

The move follows repeated complaints over the activities of young skaters using either Sainsbury's car park at Pity Me, the steps of County Hall, and a dangerous disused warehouse on Framwelgate Waterside near the city centre.

For their part, young BMX riders, in-line skaters and skateboarders have called for somewhere to practise in peace, without fearing brushes with authority.

Durham Skate Park Partnership was formed 18 months ago to bring together police, local councils and representatives of young people's groups.

Following a series of meetings, seeking young enthusiasts' view, three sites have been identified as potential locations for skate parks.

Two would be on land alongside district sports centres at Meadowfield and Pity Me, with the third beside an existing BMX track on playing fields at Belmont.

PC Sue Flannigan, of the partnership board, said members have only just 'gone public' with the proposals to avoid raising false hopes.

"We have now earmarked three possible venues in areas where most of the requests were coming from.

"The next stage is to again consult the young people we have already talked to, and to seek their views on possible designs.

"In due course the city council would then have to apply for planning permission."

The total bill could rise to £300,000 to build, staff and maintain the parks, but the partnership hopes to attract grants to part cover costs.

PC Flannigan said by siting the parks alongside existing leisure areas it may encourage more youngsters to make use of other sporting facilities.

She said despite criticism, particularly of the council, 'a lot has been going on behind the scenes' to earmark suitable sites.

"All of us recognise the value of trying to get the schemes off the ground.

"If we got the green light for these parks it would give young people keen on skating the proper venue for their energy and enthusiasm," she added.