A PETITION calling for a skate park in Neath is gathering support.

Skateboarders who have set up the campaign say there is a lack of provision for them.

Residents have often criticised boarders in the past as they end up using areas in the town centre, including the multi-storey car park and outside Morrisons.

A Facebook group has been created to raise awareness of the campaign, and a petition has collected 126 signatures in support of a skate park.

The group states: "This new generation needs a permanent skate park provision to help them develop their skills and attributes, and also for them to be admired in a culture that is alternative to the mainstream views of sport."

New group NPT Roller Derby has pledged its support to the campaign.

The club, which is based at the Hengwrt Community Sport Centre in Briton Ferry, was launched earlier this month.

Co-founder and coach Hazel Lockhart-Jones said she was all for a new skate facility.

"We think it would be great if a skate park started in Neath as it will help promote roller sports in the area and hopefully it will help us get more interest in roller derby from other skaters who may never have heard of it before," she said.

"Also, we think it will be good for the community as it will be something for all ages, giving kids something to do in the evenings and a great way for adults to keep fit and relax."

Neath East councillor Sheila Penry said the council approached Lidl 10 years ago to see if it could use land by its car park for a skateboarding facility.

"They turned it down," she said. "We are still looking for the right place because we have got to be careful.

"We need a place away from residents but at a good place for the youths.

"I understand it is a headache in Neath because they have got to have a place.

"It can also be dangerous for people walking.

"My heart goes out to both sides, and we have got to try to help the young people. As councillors we are not giving up."

At a recent Neath Chamber of Trade meeting Kim Neyland, of Communities First, said providing a skate ramp for the youths of the town was a priority this year, and that Communities First was working with a skateboarding group.

"We are hoping for some sort of funding," she said.

"We are trying to work with them to get them some sort of temporary skateboarding sessions and to identify a permanent place for a ramp.

"We are going to work with the group to find some sort of long-term solution, but it is going to take us a while to sort it out.

"It is small steps. But it is a key thing we have got to do for the town centre."

gill.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk