SKATEBOARDERS and inline skaters in Moreton are trying once again to press the case for a place of their own.

They say that despite years of discussions they are still waiting for a site in the town where they can safely pursue their sport, instead of having to use car parks and estate roads.

Youth leader Sue Stanier said: "They are getting desperate now.

"They are doing it on roads like Croft Holm and we have had a lot of complaints because they are skating on paths and pavements there."

Three years ago town councillors committed themselves to setting up a skate park in the town and several sites were suggested, such as the London Road football ground and the Redesdale Place play area, before members made what seemed to be a final decision and opted to go for part of Queen Victoria's Gardens - the town park.

They were forced to back down after protests from some residents and from Lord Dulverton, whose grandfather donated the park land to the town in 1947 and who threatened to seek a court injunction to stop the scheme.

Instead councillors decided to look for another site, but so far nothing has happened.

Now the youngsters are getting fed up, said Mrs Stanier. "It is me who is having to take them backwards and forwards to skate parks and if a little village like Ilmington has got one, why can't Moreton?

"If I had a big enough garden I would put it there because I feel so strongly about it.

"Surely someone has got a piece of land we could have."

Town council chairman Chic Dempster said the problem had been that people living near all the suggested sites had been furiously against using them for a skate park.

He said the Fire Service College now had some provision for skaters, but added that the council was pinning its hopes for future leisure developments on the long-planned Blenheim Farm development where almost 100 houses are due to be built.

Meanwhile the young skaters are getting together a petition that they hope to present to the council, calling on it to help them.