Teenagers have promised to investigate fundraising ideas for an Ilkley skate park after parish councillors threw down the gauntlet.

A number of young people attended an Ilkley Parish Council open meeting last year, asking for support in setting up suitable facilities and urging councillors to give them credit for pursuing a hobby which did not involve hanging around on street corners.

But at a meeting this week parish clerk Miggy Bailey said it was unlikely Bradford Council would have thousands of pounds to invest in a scheme - which could cost up to £30,000. Skaters might have to do their own fundraising.

Afterwards skateboarder Sam Barrett, 18, a student at Ilkley Grammar School, said he would look at helping to set up an organised group to get the venture off the ground.

He said he would like to see a facility catering for skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX riders and would be prepared to get involved in fundraising.

He added: "I'd be prepared to do anything. Whatever we need to do, we will.

"We just want somewhere legitimate we can go to and where we won't get any hassle or be regarded as a nuisance.''

The issue has rumbled on for more than a year, with several sites suggested - including the town's Riverside Gardens. But several parish councillors have expressed opposition to that location following concerns from local residents.

The latest suggestion, supported by Ilkley Civic Society, is the swimming pool area.

Coun Alec Henderson, chairman of the parish council, said money would have to be found "one way or another''.

Coun Kate Brown said young people might appreciate it more if they themselves were involved in raising the money for in-line skating facilities.

Mrs Bailey said she would put the suggestion to the skaters who had contacted the council.

And Coun Bob Jones, who is involved with the Burley Youth Forum, a partnership of youngsters and adults working together to provide basketball and skating facilities in Burley-in-Wharfedale, has promised to help.

He said he would be happy to discuss the way forward with Ilkley's skating enthusiasts, showing them how the Youth Forum was striving to find a site and pay for it.

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