YOUNGSTERS from Richmond could be the next in the region to be celebrating the opening of a new skateboard park.

Northallerton and Norton have both agreed sites for similar facilities with Thirsk and Pickering among those also hunting a suitable location.

And a planning application has finally been submitted for an area of Richmond's Ronaldshay Park.

If the project wins the district council's consent, it will end a seven-year saga fronted by a succession of teenagers, who have all been adamant that skateboards, BMX bikes and in-line skates are here to stay.

The YMCA's Ken Allinson said: "It's not just a passing craze any more. It's a serious pastime for young people these days and it's not going to go away."

The scheme also has support in principle from Richmond Round Table, the town and district councils, the Richmond Town Centre Forum and the Community Education Partnership.

Some residents with homes near the park, however, have made it clear that they would object if a formal application was submitted.

Mr Allinson said that the majority of teenagers who have been pressing for the skate park have been mature in their approach and have accepted they will need to play a role in policing the new facilities.

"The youngsters have even helped choose the equipment we are proposing and had a say on the layout," he said.

In all, the skateboard park is expected to cost about £50,000.

It is hoped grants will come from Sport For All, charitable trusts, Yorwaste, and both Richmond Town and Richmondshire District councils.

The young people who would use the park have pledged to raise some of the money themselves.

Mr Allinson said: "I don't see finance as a potential problem.

"Planning permission is more important as we cannot win grants without it. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed that the council is sympathetic.