Young people with an interest in the popular sport were asked for their input into plans for two parks dedicated to roller sports in Rhyl.

We are aiming to have a centre second to none in Wales for skate boarding, roller blading and BMX, featuring designs from local young people Ken Ewing, Denbighshire council

Denbighshire council has earmarked �160,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government to build the amenities in the west and south west wards of the seaside town.

In response to an increase interest in the sport a number of groups - campaigning for facilities for skaters and BMX bikers - have been set up in Rhyl, Prestatyn, Denbigh, Llangollen and Corwen.

The concrete skateparks in Rhyl will be the first specifically built sites in the county.

The west ward of Rhyl was classified as the most deprived area of Wales in 2000.

Youngsters will benefit from the skatepark

Local skater Oliver Hudson said it is difficult to find somewhere safe to skate.

"We're always getting kicked off spots where we go skating by security guards and the police.

"We usually go to car parks skating and we go around Liverpool and Manchester where they have skateparks," he said.

Councillors hope this latest initiative will ensure keen skaters have somewhere safe to practice.

Ken Ewing from Denbighshire council said the skatepark would be a state-of-the-art structure.

"We are aiming to have a centre second to none in Wales for skate boarding, roller blading and BMX, featuring designs from local young people.

"This is their chance to shape what will be a major new wheeled sports facility," he said.

Young people involved with the sport discussed the plans for the arena which would be built near the sky tower on Rhyl promenade.

Youngsters input

Subject to further consultation and planning, a smaller skatepark would be built elsewhere in the area.

The teenagers saw presentations from manufacturers of wheeled sport facilities and gave their own design ideas.

Mr Ewing added: "We are taking a fast track approach to this, to make sure that there is something in place for the summer.

"We are aware that this is something which is much needed in the area, and we are very keen to get as many young people as possible involved at this early stage," he said.

There has been a concerted effort by Denbighshire residents to build skating facilities in the county.

Last year, about 100 teenagers and their parents set up a committee to campaign for a skatepark on the outskirts of Denbigh.

Plans for an arena have been sidetracked but, in response to the growing popularity of the sport, the local authority has approved a policy to ensure free facilities are introduced.

The youngsters have been offered to use Denbigh town hall as an indoor venue.