Ilkley's in-line skaters must not have their hopes shattered by "negative'' attitudes, says Ilkley Parish Council, whose members have called for the needs of the young to be met.

While the search goes on to find a suitable area for in-line skaters and skateboaders in the town, Councillor Caroline Jones said the young should not be ignored.

Parish clerk Miggy Bailey and several councillors favour a "humps and bumps" scheme in the Riverside Gardens.

Bradford Council does not favour the site but its alternative suggestion at the Warehouse, Little Lane, has been dismissed as impractical by Ilkley parish councillors.

Coun Jones said it was time to think positively and not just look for the negative answer.

She said: "The way we treat young people is how they end up losing respect for their elders.

"We must stop just being negative. We must stop finding reasons not to do things for children.

"Too often when children reach the age of ten we find reasons to deny them facilities.''

While Coun Jones said she believed in pressing forward, other colleagues urged a note of caution at Ilkley Parish Council.

Councillor Lexa Robinson said she had been asked by several residents to point out the Riverside Gardens was a memorial garden. She asked how much noise skating would create.

Councillor Barbara Cussons said she had been contacted by residents of Alexandra Crescent who were bitterly opposed to having skating facilities on their doorstep.

Following the meeting, district councillor Anne Hawkesworth said she feared skating and skateboarding could be a "here today and gone tomorrow" phenomenon. She was concerned an abandoned skating area could merely serve as a gathering point for youths.

Despite the reservations about the site, Mrs Bailey said she believed it was the best option.

"It is no good providing the site somewhere like East Holmes Field. I wouldn't let my children go there unsupervised. The Riverside Gardens already has a children's play area, with adults around," she said.

Mrs Bailey will meet Bradford Council officials shortly to try and ensure a successful outcome.

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