SKATERS have been allowed all-day access to a supervised park despite complaints from nearby residents.

The skateboard park in Foss Bank car park, York, will be open from 10am until 9pm every day except Sunday, when it will open at noon and close at 6pm.

Previously it opened at 4pm and closed at 6pm on weekdays, closing earlier on Sunday.

The extension has been supported by one local resident, who said the park had been carefully sited to minimise its effect on residents, and it provided a valuable recreation facility.

But three residents of nearby Feversham House have written to City of York Council complaining of graffiti in the surrounding area, rubbish which attracts rats, and youngsters skating in surrounding streets, along with other problems.

Planning committee chairman Councillor Terry Walker said: "We have had problems controlling people who call themselves road skaters who would rather use walls and streets than an organised park.

"That is a problem across the city, not just in this area, and we need to try to encourage these people on to organised skateboard parks."

He said the extension of opening hours would increase the income generated by the park. Skateboarders pay £2 to use the facility.

Coun Walker said: "If we open longer, and meet a larger demand, we will be able to pay for more members of staff which would ease these problems."

Opponents also claimed there were no toilet facilities in the park.

But Coun Walker said: "We do have an arrangement with Sainsbury's to let the skateboarders use their toilets, and they have been very co-operative with that."

The council's development control officer, Chris Newsome, said: "The main concerns of objectors appear to be, firstly, about the extended hours of use and, secondly, about the unauthorised activities that have taken place outside the designated skateboard area.

"However, it would appear that if the facility is used as it is intended, the soundproofing within the car park has proved effective.

"Criticisms have been made about the appearance of the skate park. Officers will discuss these with the applicant so that the appearance of the area can be restored."

Updated: 12:38 Friday, September 06, 2002