YOUNGSTERS and residents have clashed over a controversial proposal to install a skate facility in the heart of Princes Risborough.

A skateboard park in King George V playing fields was given the go ahead by Princes Risborough Town Council on April 25.

At present, many teenagers hang around the area by Risborough Springs Swimming Pool, Wades Park.

Young people say it would be good to have a designated area for skating, cycling and a place to meet.

But some residents living near the proposed facility think the teenagers will be a nuisance, spoiling their peace and quiet.

The skateboard park was agreed to after youngsters complained that there was a problem in Wades Park when they used roads for skating runs.

One teenager said: "We do get hit by cars. I damaged my arm when I got hit by one."

The young people thought the skate facility in a park was a good idea.

Doug Cooper, 16, said: "It's about time. It should have been done a long time ago but it will be a good place to hang out."

The teenagers said the park would be well used and that they would not cause trouble to other park users or people living nearby.

But a resident who lives in Aylesbury Road, yards from the proposed site, said a similar facility in Maidenhead led to disorder, with rowdy teenagers disturbing the peace late at night.

She said that she wished not to be named as a resident in Maidenhead who criticised the teenagers had her house graffitied.

Another resident who lives in Wellington Avenue said: "It would attract noisy teenagers and there might be a problem with graffiti."

Residents were concerned about the proximity of the facility to their homes, saying the skate park was a good idea but it should not have been sited in a residential area.

Town councillors said the site was chosen to be near to the town centre for skaters to use and in an area where the facilities could be seen.

Councillors feel that a purpose-built site will stop skaters using inappropriate areas like Wades Park and therefore keep young people out of danger.