PLANS for a controversial skate park in Mold have taken a step forward.

After a 10-year struggle, Mold Town Council has backed plans for a skateboard park and wheeled play area near Kendricks Field tennis courts on the town’s Maes Bodlonfa recreation ground.

A formal planning application will now be put to Flintshire Council.

Steve Robinson, a community youth worker in Mold, who works with a number of children who would be expected to use the park, said: “It is in its very early stages.

This is something the kids want.

“There are so many different groups who are using skateboards and in-line skates, from the really young ones to older ones, from six and seven to 17.

“Some young people just want to go and watch.

“This is something they have wanted for years and the interest has not died.

“It will give them somewhere safe to go and something to do. If you get them involved at an early stage they will have an ownership of it and respect it.”

Plans have been in circulation for a number of years after a group of youngsters approached the town council hoping to secure support for a skate park.

A previous incarnation was thrown out after nearly 40 objection letters were received with complaints over the visual impact, the effect on residents’ privacy and claims the site would encourage anti-social behaviour.