The park is one of three that will be built in the city

The sports facility at Pennywell is part of the third phase of a �450,000 programme to upgrade King George V park.

The skating, skateboarding and cycle park was constructed with input from the local youngsters who will use it.

City mayor Juliana Heron said it was "a wonderful facility for youngsters".

But Conservative councillor George Howe said there was growing unrest that some areas like Pennywell get more facilities than other parts of the city.

He claimed certain areas were given priority over others because they were traditionally seen as deprived.

Sunderland City Council has pointed out that the Pennywell skate park was funded by single regeneration cash and is the first of three that will be built.

A much bigger skate park to serve the whole city is being built at Silksworth.