THREE parks could be created in Durham for skateboard and BMX enthusiasts.

The Durham Skate and Bike Partnership hopes to win planning permission and funding for facilities at the Meadowfield and Abbey leisure centres, and possibly a further park in the Gilesgate Moor or Belmont areas.

The parks could reduce damage being done by BMX riders and skateboarders to the County Hall building.

The headquarters of Dur-ham County Council is being used by youngsters who perform stunts on the steps, ramp and seats outside the main entrance.

The council said it is having to spend thousands of pounds on repairing damage and introducing extra security measures to curb the problem.

On one occasion, skateboarders got on to the roof of the cafeteria.

County Hall manager David Dixon said: "We fear that somebody will get seriously hurt. The problem has developed over time and has got to the point where unacceptable levels of damage are being caused to various areas.

"The people who are doing it are older teenagers and young adults and are old enough to know better. We repaired one area of stonework and a group of older teenagers removed the barrier and tape and rode across it and damaged it again.

"Some of the younger skateboarders are actually dropped off by the parents."

In one incident, a woman suffered an ankle injury when a skateboarding youngster crashed into her.

The council, which is spending £12,000 on CCTV cameras, is involved in the Durham Skate and Bike Partnership along with other organisations, including Durham City Council and the police.

Earlier this year, it invited youngsters to an exhibition of different skate park designs.

City council leisure services manager Nigel Dodds said: "We are striving to provide services that meet the needs of all the community.

"However, with projects such as skate parks it is necessary to obtain external funding and work in partnership with other interested groups to meet these needs."

* The city council is running coach trips to the APE Skate Park, Thornaby, near Stockton, each Thursday throughout the holidays. For more details, call 0191-301 8425.