YOUNG people are taking matters into their owns hands in a bid to get a skate park.

A group of skateboarders in Rothbury, Northumberland are taking action, as at present they have to meet in a car park.

The group believes the facility would encourage more youngsters in the village and surrounding area to take part in a healthy activity, rather than sitting at home playing on computer games.

Its efforts were last night commended by a village county and parish councillor.

Several years ago, the now defunct Alnwick District Council brought a mobile skate park to Rothbury on a regular basis, although that was felt not to be up to scratch and is no longer in use. A group of around seven friends from the village and surrounding areas, aged 18 to 23, meets at Rothbury’s Cow Haugh car park to skate in the evenings after work, college or school, as unlike other large Northumberland communities, Morpeth and Amble, there is no park.

They recently decided to take matters into their own hands to get a skate venue in the village.

The friends approached Northumberland county councillor and Rothbury parish councillor Steven Bridgett, who advised them he would provide funds for the project from his members’ allowance, but they would have to take the lead.

The skaters formed a committee and sought advice and assistance from those who set up the facility at Morpeth and Rothbury and Coquetdale Youth Project.

The group’s leader Iain Russell, 23, of Jubilee Crescent, put a proposal for a park to the parish council last week.

Members were “blown away” by Iain’s presentation and agreed to give their support. The group has also set up a Facebook page which last night had 158 supporters.

The page states: ‘Due to Rothbury having limited activities for young people, as mentioned, many young people spend a lot of time on XBox and PS3s.

‘A skate park would provide another activity for people to partake in and another form of exercise.’

The group has distributed petitions which over 100 people have signed.

The skaters have won backing from BMX-riding youngsters in the village.

Once it has evaluated level of support for the project, the group will consider approaches for funding.

Iain, who works at Eclipse Translations in Alnwick, said: “We did not expect it to happen and it just seems to have snowballed.”

Coun Bridgett said: “They have taken the bull by the horns effectively. He (Iain) came to the parish council meeting and blew everyone away. It was well thought out and well put together.”

He added: “I think if there is a demand for it within the Rothbury area we should get behind it and support it.”