By Ian Waterhouse

Last updated 20:40, Thursday, 09 October 2008

A SKATEBOARD park could be included as part of the Derwent Valley sports scheme. The £31.4m sports and leisure development, recommended for backing by Allerdale council, may also open the door to an indoor bike arena, an aerial assault course and a climbing wall.

Allerdale council regeneration chief Charles Holmes confirmed that local youth groups would be consulted and that more than just a skate-park was being considered.

The plan was this week given a cautious welcome by Workington youngsters, rollerbladers, cyclists and skateboarders, who currently use a site close to Curwen Hall, off Ramsay Brow.

Young people at the site said they were keen to be included in any consultations.

Michael Tinkler, 10, of Flimby, who goes to the skatepark every Friday after school, said the current facilities could easily be improved.

He said: “The ramps are too close together and you can’t build enough speed up.

“They should make sure there are no loose stones because they catch the wheels and damage the skateboard.

“You can fall forward and hurt yourself.”

Dan Hallam, 16, of Stainburn, Workington, said: “It would be better if it was indoor because there is nowhere to go in winter.”

He added that the lack of lighting meant that it was impossible to use the park after 7pm.

Jacob Emmett, 15, of Brigham, sounded a note of caution for any new development.

He said: “They should ask us because they will just build ramps and that is not what we want. Then no-one will use the park and it will get vandalised and kids will just meet there to drink.”

Mr Holmes said: “It’s important that the people who are doing these things understand what young people want.

“There could be a bike and skate arena, a caving system, a climbing wall and an aerial assault course.”

He added that the facility would be indoor, meaning that it could be used throughout the year.

Another possibility is that the development could happen in Moorclose, although this would only happen after a detailed and lengthy consultation.

The council stressed that no formal plans had been produced, as it was still holding talks on the matter.

The Derwent Valley Task Group recommended a single stadium with combined leisure centre and sports complex to Allerdale council last week.

A decision on whether to support the recommendation is expected at the next council meeting on November 5.