A CRISIS meeting to discuss the future of Chesham's new skate park is being arranged less than two weeks after its official opening.

Young skaters, roller-bladers and BMX riders have enjoyed the £80,000 facility since it opened on July 14.

But many residents living nearby have already voiced complaints about the park, ranging from late-night noise to the effect on their view of Lowndes Park.

Chesham town councillors and Chesham Youth Council representatives listened on as the fears and concerns were raised at a packed meeting of the Lowndes Park Users' Group on Tuesday. It was also suggested that the skate park could be moved.

In response, a meeting to deal with the issues raised has been pencilled in for August 6.

Pensioner Jessica Bates, 81, of Park Road, who lives opposite the park, told the Free Press the noise bothered her most.

She said: "It's going on until 3.30am some days. They go thump, thump, thump as they jump on that platform."

Mark Littlejohn, 39, of Park Road, was pleased there was a skate park but was disgusted that it was placed so near to his house.

He said: "The park is right outside my front window. Even my 12-year-old son who uses the park can't believe how close it is."

He also felt the noise was a major concern saying it began at 7am and that crashing sounds could even be heard in the lounge with the television turned up.

Amersham's skate park, in King George V Road, was threatened with closure last month after police officers and Amersham town councillors said it was being used as a drinking den at night.

There is no evidence that similar behaviour is going on at Chesham's park but Mike Kennedy, Chesham town clerk, said the town council may look at fencing off the park at night.

But he said it was very unlikely that the park would be relocated.

He said: "We need to get around the table with the residents to find a solution.

"I think they realise in their heart of hearts that it [the park] is not going to get moved there is nowhere else."