YOUNG skaters in Settle are appealing for help in securing a permanent site for their own skatepark.

They have been searching for some time and recently raised awareness of their campaign with the use of temporary ramps in the Market Place, provided by North Yorkshire's Youth Support Service and with permission from the town council.

But despite suggestions of sites, none has so far proved suitable.

The skaters, who are keen to find somewhere to go where they are not criticised, would like a central site, but one which is away from houses, and with easy access.

Rachel Rabjohns, area youth worker, said the young people had worked hard to raise the profile of their campaign and to gain support.

For several years, the council's youth support service has provided a temporary skate park during the Easter and summer holidays.

"The young people have made a DVD to highlight their campaign and have visited and photographed several local skate parks to research what they would want for their own skate park," she said.

"They currently travel from Settle to Skipton, Bentham, Halton and Clitheroe to be able to pursue their sport or hobby."

In September last year, a group of the skaters, with Rachel's help, attended a meeting of the town council.

Following the meeting, a sub-committee of the council was formed with the intention of finding a suitable site, but although several were put forward, none was right.

"We are currently pursuing others while investigating insurance and potential cost of erection and maintenance," said Rachel.

"We are looking for a site that is fairly central but away from direct proximity to houses for sound purposes, well lit and open - or to be able to be - free of trees and have easy access for emergency vehicles in the event of an injury. "

Once they have a site, it is planned that the young people can get on with fundraising and designing their new park.

Anyone able to support the campaign can contact Rachel by email at Rachel.rabjohns@northyorks.gov.uk, or Rebecca Hill, Settle Town Council clerk at clerk@settletowncouncil.org.uk.