A SKATEBOARD park could be on the cards at last, after a series of meetings between the council and youngsters from Richmond.

A 13-year-old Skeeby schoolboy, Alasdair Alexander, has been leading a fresh campaign for a skateboarding site, and has already met district council leaders to outline the case.

About 100 youngsters have signed a petition backing the idea.

Richmondshire District Council agreed to study its options and yesterday, chairman Councillor Jane Metcalfe, confirmed that the authority has agreed to press ahead with more detailed research.

However, she warned that there was is still some way to go before the youngsters' dreams become reality.

"We want to move on, but it is a sensitive issue as we do not want to build up any hopes," she said.

"We aim to have another meeting with the youngsters and take things from there."

Coun Metcalfe praised the young people involved in the campaign.

She said: "They are determined and I hope there is a way ahead in which they can remain involved.

"Alasdair has a very sensible and mature attitude, accepts that there are no immediate solutions, but still remains enthusiastic."

Some hope may lie in a "mobile" park - a new concept which includes a surface and ramps suitable for boards or roller blades with a price tag of about £15,000.

"When we met the council, they said we might be able to help with fundraising," said Alasdair. "This equipment is not as expensive as a permanent park and all we would need is somewhere to put it."

Options suggested by the teenagers so far include charging fees for use of the facilities, or a caf near the site, which would help to recoup some of the cost.

They say that a park would mean youngsters would no longer have to use roads, footpaths, car parks and school playgrounds, reducing the risk of accidents and improving safety on the roads.