LEOMINSTER Town Council is to press ahead with plans for a £60,000 skateboard park despite a move by a councillor to scrap the scheme.

"This whole project is very, very, questionable," said Councillor Graham Walker.

He said residents feared the facility would be noisy. The proposed site at the southern end of the Sydonia recreation area was too close to homes and the facility should be sited at Bridge Street Sports Centre, said Coun Walker.

He expressed concerns over the cost of the project and the impact of lighting and tennis-court style fencing at the site.

His comments angered some of his colleagues. Deputy Mayor Janet Atkinson, chair of the skatepark working group, said the points had been repeatedly raised and answered.

Coun Walker had declined to join the working group to help shape the project, Ms Atkinson complained.

The sports centre management had clearly stated there was no room for skate boarding at their Bridge Street site, she said.

"I am dismayed - all these questions have been answered before," said Coun Atkinson.

Public consultation had been carried out. "We promise noise will be kept to a minimum. Sydonia offers a safe environment and staff are on hand at the Leisure Centre."

A service agreement with leisure centre operators Halo would include provision of staff to lock and unlock the gate to the skate facility at specified times.

Council taxpayers were not paying for the facility - grants were being sought, Coun Atkinson stressed.