A CONTROVERSIAL but bold initiative to turn the municipal gardens outside Morecambe Town Hall into a skate park has been proposed in a surprise announcement by councillors.

Local skateboarders, who called for a skate park at a demonstration in Dalton Square at the weekend, say it's a great idea.

But turning the quiet garden into a haven for young skateboarders, BMX bikers and roller bladers could upset some traditionalists.

The idea has surprisingly come from Morecambe's Independent group who say the little-used gardens are an ideal location.

Their group leader Cllr Tricia Heath explained: "The site outside the Town Hall is hardly used and, because it's a natural amphitheatre, it would make a good skateboard park.

"It's out of the way of local residents but it's easy to get to and, being in front of the Town Hall, we should be able to keep an eye on it."

Andy Curwen, owner of the Blue Tubes Skateboard shop and one of the organisers behind Saturday's demonstration said: "It sounds like a cracking idea.

"It would be an ideal spot as the kids could get a bus and make their own way there. In the past skate parks have been built in the middle of nowhere and the kids have had to rely on their parents to drop them off and pick them up."

He added: "What's important is that the council talks to local skateboarders to hear what they want. If they get it right then it could be used to attract national competitions bringing lots of visitors to Morecambe and raising revenue. If designed properly I'm sure it will be popular and well used."

The Council has led a bid for funding from the Recovered Assets Fund which, if successful, would provide the finance for a skate board park. "We are also looking for funding for at least one other park in the area," added Cabinet member for finance, Geoff Wilson, "positive action is being taken on all fronts."

The issue of skateboarding facilities has been under discussion for some time and Green Ayre in Lancaster has been given planning permission for a private skateboarding facility.

"The Independent Group are suggesting a couple of possible sites for a skateboard park in Morecambe and we would also like to see one in Carnforth," added Tricia Heath

"It is important we get a spread across the district. As well as outside Morecambe Town Hall, we think the promenade area between the Battery and Regent Road could be a good site. Of course all proposed sites would be put out for user group and public consultation."