A campaign to raise £100,000 to create a skateboard park for fed-up youngsters could suffer a surprise setback.

Plans to build the park and cycle track in Thirsk have been opposed by many residents, as well as by local councillors.

Their fears about the project have now been backed by officials from Hambleton District Council, who are recommending that the proposals be turned down when the planning committee meets next week.

The Ethel Johnson Bequest Fund has submitted an application to the authority to convert agricultural land at Carrs Field into a facility for the town's youngsters.

The land was bequeathed to the town with the instructions that it be used for recreational purposes.

However, local people and Thirsk town councillors were concerned about the effects on the peaceful residential area.

Twenty letters of complaint were sent to Hambleton Council's planning department, citing various problems, including security concerns and a likely increase in traffic.

The plans include the provision of five ramps, a circular cycle track and the construction of a storage building.

Members of the skate park committee were originally planning to provide just one ramp, but felt the appeal would eventually wear off for children.

The scale of the development and the possible damage to the conservation area has led planners to oppose the scheme.

Planning officer Alan Harper said: "There are significant and many concerns to the development now proposed.

"The scale of the proposals is considered to be significantly different to the single skateboard structure, with no building or fenced compound, approved in 1998.

"Despite the undoubted value to the skateboarding fraternity, the benefits do not outweigh the harm that would be caused to the conservation area and the loss of recreational value of the field, as it exists to some users."

The application is to be considered at the planning committee meeting, in Northallerton, on Thursday