FEARS over escalating drug abuse and fighting between groups of youngsters have forced the closure of a showpiece skateboard park.

Council chiefs confirmed yesterday that they were having to shut down the park behind the Hydro swimming pool, in Harrogate, after only a few weeks.

Bosses said the threat of physical danger to youngsters at the park had left them with no choice but to close it down, following consultation with the police.

Large gangs have gathered at the venue, sparking trouble between different sets of users, and young adults have also used it as a late-night meeting place.

Harrogate Borough Council spent £90,000 to create the Hydro skate park, as well as others in Ripon and Knaresborough, but leisure director Kevin Douglas said it had become impossible to manage the problems being caused.

"This is a great shame but we had to act before we were faced with a major incident that no one would want," he said.

"Sadly, those youngsters who have shown real maturity and dedication by working with the council to create this skateboard park are going to be penalised by some disruptive elements who have chosen to abuse this new facility."

The park was closed yesterday morning - and other irresponsible youngsters were warned that facilities in Ripon and Knaresborough could suffer the same fate if problems persisted.

Mr Douglas said: "This does not mean we are giving up on providing these much-needed facilities, it merely means we have to rethink how we provide them to ensure those who want to use them can do so without any problems.

"At the moment there are one or two problems at both Ripon and Knaresborough in the way those skateboard parks are being used.

"Youngsters should be aware that, if they continue or get worse, then we will not be afraid to close them as well."

The council is said to be considering several options to cater for those with a genuine interest in skateboarding and will be looking to make an alternative facility available as soon as possible.