THE site of a former skateboard ramp could soon be renovated into a children's play area if plans suggested by council bosses get the go ahead.

Scores of Hutton youngsters were left disappointed after workers for South Ribble Borough Council moved a skateboard ramp because it was too dangerous to ride on.

The ramp had been won for the village by a group of skateboarders in a national competition in 1990 and erected on the recreation park near to Moor Lane in the same year.

But council bosses were forced to shift the structure after they were unable to buy new parts, leaving it unsafe to use.

All that remains is a fence and sand pit.

Now, South Ribble Council chiefs are hoping to create a new playground in its place, which could be up and running within a matter of months.

John Dakin, of South Ribble Borough Council, said: "We had no alternative but to remove the track because it was becoming a health hazard.

"When it was installed we did say that if it became unsafe we would have to remove it. The last thing we wanted to do was take it away, especially when you consider the cost of installing it in the first place.

"Hopefully, we can make the best of the situation and get working on a play area, which is something we are negotiating with the parish council."

He added: "There is a need for a play area and hopefully we can meet that need. The ramp was a well used facility and hopefully we can incorporate something into our plans. But nothing is as yet definite."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.