A number of Ilkley teenagers have been accused of frightening old people by skating in the town.

Parish councillor Lexa Robinson, who is against moves to create a skate park in the Riverside Gardens, is concerned about the behaviour of some youngsters who have used the gardens and adjoining car park for skating and hockey.

At a meeting of Ilkley Parish Council, she said: "I have had reports of people playing hockey in the car park and there has been such a lot of noise in the evening that the police have had to be called."

"They have been making a bit of a nuisance of themselves. In some cases they have been upsetting quite a lot of people. They have even frightened a few elderly people who enjoy a stroll in the gardens."

Councillor Amanda Clarke said Coun Robinson's comments proved how important it was to support a park so the youngsters had somewhere to go.

Coun Robinson is adamant that she is not against a skating park, but she is just opposed to one in the Riverside Gardens.

No decision has yet been taken on a site, although an alternative has been mooted near the swimming pool - a site favoured by Ilkley Civic Society.

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