The 300 steel studs are designed to stop skateboarding

Before the half-term holiday more than 300 stainless steel studs were fixed to the top of the side walls in a bid to stop skaters practising tricks.

The council says damage caused by skateboarders costs �20,000 a year to repair and there are safety concerns following reports of several near-accidents.

But this week youngsters continued to gather in the city centre area which has been popular with skateboarders for many years.

I am confident that the use of studs..will assist in making our city centre a safer and more attractive place to visit Partnership chairman Richard Smith

One skateboarder said: "Here (Castle Square) and the university are the two best places for skating.

"We are not allowed at either but they can't stop it.

"The studs won't stop boarding here."

But he conceded they would prevent some moves.

Action plan

Police and council staff patrol the area and letters have been sent to the parents of some young skaters who have been caught.

New facilities are being built near to Swansea leisure centre and when these are completed in September the council is hopeful many skaters will go there.

Cabinet member for recreation Robert Francis-Davies said, "The council recognises the popularity of skateboarding in Swansea and our aim is to develop facilities that will provide users with state-of-the-art equipment.

"The new metal skate-bowl, which is currently under construction, will be the first of its kind in the UK.

"It will provide skaters in Swansea with the best facility in Wales and attract enthusiasts from all over the country."

The stainless steel studs, which have round heads and stand 8mm above the surface, have been placed at half metre intervals along the walls.

Castle Square in Swansea is a favourite haunt of skateboarders

They stop skateboards from sliding along the wall ridges and have reduced skateboarding at Bristol's College's Green where they were first tested.

They have been installed by the City Centre Partnership, which is made up of the council, local business and police.

Partnership chairman Richard Smith said: "A reduction in skateboarding in pedestrianised areas is one of the priorities identified in the city centre action plan.