YOUNG skateboarders at Arnside have re-claimed their much-loved ramp, after it mysteriously ended up on a local tip.

The ramp, which the youngsters said gave them a "really good skate", was retrieved but had been snapped in two and an attempt made to burn it.

"It's less than half the size it was and it has a burned hole in the middle, but it's still pretty good!" said skateboarder Scott Stephenson, whose father made the ramp.

The group was using it on a paved area with public seating off Arnside promenade.

But they said a group of workmen took it away. A friend later told them it was on a small pile of rubbish near the cemetery.

"The council has promised us a skateboarding area but I think we'll all be too old to skateboard by the time they get round to it," said another member of the group, Steven Jackson, 15.

A group of visitors to the area from Bolton, Alan and Freda Aspinall and their friend Pat Jackson, said the group of skateboarders had been very skilful and worth watching.

"We don't mind at all. They were very considerate and made sure they didn't come near my wheelchair. They deserve a place to skateboard," said Mrs Aspinall.

May 29, 2003 14:30