IN reply to Martin Cale's comments on the skating facilities at Victoria Park, Malvern Link (Malvern Gazette, January 31), the young people who use these facilities would like to make their points heard.

We are not pleased with the fact Mr Cale refers to us as "lowlifes". Does he have a real argument to back this up?

The skaters go to the skatepark to skate and we enjoy the sport by observing the skills and tricks. People also go there to meet up with each other - to socialise. We are not anti-socials, as Mr Cale puts it. We do not perform the anti-social behaviour he speaks of.

Unfortunately, there are some people who go to the skatepark to cause trouble. There are certain people who dislike us skaters and they pass by the skatepark shouting abuse at us. We do try to ignore them because we do not want the skatepark closed down.

There are also some people who abuse the skatepark. They use it as somewhere to get drunk. These people are not the same people who use the skatepark as a sports facility.

We feel that if there were a better watchful eye over the park by the police, it would scare these people away and the skatepark would not be misused.

During the summer the police came to the skatepark once in a while but they just drove by. It would be better if they came more often, and if they actually got out of their cars to speak to us, to see if there is anything we want to say. We think this would scare away the people who give the skatepark a bad name.

Mr Cale also complained about the noise from drivers who go to the skatepark. The majority of the people who take their cars just get out and skate - they mind their own business. Some of them do play their music but it is only so they may enjoy their time at the skatepark. Most, if not all, the drivers (and other people) leave the skatepark well before 10pm.

The only reason they park on the gravel next to the skatepark is so they can keep an eye on their cars.

Some of their cars are very well done up and they don't want them damaged. If there is not enough room on the gravel they do park on the grass but only if it is necessary. It would be helpful if there was an official car park for the skatepark.

The skatepark is a popular place. The Golden Jubilee event last June was very busy and a lot of people who may never have visited before spent time standing around the skatepark to see exactly what it is people do there.

There were people of all ages and backgrounds watching the skaters and bladers. It gave us a chance to show off our skills.

The removal of the skatepark would result in a lot of young people on the streets of Malvern. They would get bored and may have to find other things to do that many people would not agree with.

We agree that the new levels of security will be a waste of money but the removal of the skatepark would also cost a lot of money.

The money would be better spent on repairs. The safety of the park is at a very low standard due to the lack of maintenance but people will keep going to the skatepark no matter what condition it is in because skating is a passion.

The Young People of Malvern Youth Centre, Albert Road North, Malvern.