YOUNG people in Broadway have once more appealed to members of the parish council for help in setting up a skate park.

Thirteen boys from aged 13 to 16 years filed into the Lifford Hall last Thursday to plead their case to councillors.

They said they were desperate for somewhere to skate - they didn't mind how modest the skating area was, or where it was situated in the village and said they were willing to help raise cash.

Many of them asked the parish for a skate boarding area several months ago, but nothing came of their pleas.

Now the boys, who spoke up so well, appeared to have persuaded the councillors to take a more active enabling roll.

Jason Harvison said: "We need somewhere in Broadway where we can skate, where we won't annoy people."

Michael Kimber said: "We have written to companies and found out that basic equipment will only cost between £5,000 and £12,000. If money is a problem we are willing to help raise funds ourselves."

Mark Horsburgh said: "When it is finished you could charge 50p a time to use it which would get the money back."

Carlo Lorenza said: "There is nothing in Broadway for us. We want something to do other than gaze at museums and art galleries."

Councillor Richard Prater, who in his younger days helped to raise money for the village youth club, explained to the boys that they needed to enlist their parents' help in setting up an action committee.

He said: "There are certain procedures you must follow before grants can be applied for and a site can be found."

Councillors said they might be minded to allow a small skating area on the village recreation ground.

Coun David Folkes, who is also chairman of Wychavon District Council, pledged to appeal to the district for support on the boy's behalf.

The chairman of the parish council, Peter Riley said: "We are aware we have a problem and will try to resolve it between us."