A SKATEBOARD ramp in Bishampton, which was opened at the beginning of the summer holidays, closed just weeks afterwards following complaints from neighbours.

Since August 16, the half-pipe mini ramp for skateboards and BMX bikes has stood forlornly next to the village hall with a notice on it barring children.

Villagers received letters informing them that important environment and safety issues had come to light which were not clear when the plans were first drawn up.

Kay Smith, who lives next to the recreation ground, said: "The ramp is about six meters away from our boundary and when it was in use the noise was absolutely awful. It totally invaded our whole lives with 'rumble crash, rumble crash' all the time. This facility also became a mecca for anti-social behaviour from youths outside the village. If the village hall committee had done their homework in the first place they would have realised that the site is totally unsuitable."

Wychavon district councillor Malcolm Argyle said: "There is obviously a problem with noise and the lack of a safety fence around the site. The village hall trust is doing its utmost to resolve the issue."

In his letter, chairman of the Bishampton, Abberton and Throckmorton Villages Hall Trust, Roger Ockenden wrote to parishioners saying: "The popularity of the ramp is obvious and you may rest assured it is our intention to return it to use as soon as possible. We are seeking help and everyone's co-operation in finding a solution to the above problems - fast."

Environmental protection officer at Wychavon District Council, Geoff Carpenter said: "We have received a number of complaints from nearby residents who are allegedly disturbed by noise created by the use of the skateboard ramp.

"We are continuing to investigate these complaints to establish whether a statutory noise nuisance exists."

Young villagers campaigned for two years to get the ramp installed in the village, collecting 150 signatures. As a result the Trust made the piece of land available and £16,000 was raised from Awards for All, Severn Waste, Wychavon District Council and proceeds from village hall events.