A SKATERS' working party, featuring police and the local community, has been set up to tackle problems caused by a lack of facilities for skateboarders and rollerbladers in Heswall.

There is currently no suitable area for skaters in the town and 'streetskating' can cause problems.

Now police and their partners have taken action to establish a new group aimed at finding a solution.

The committee has been set up to let young people, residents and businesses alike and will play an active role in establishing a permanent local skateboard park.

The working party is made up of local retailers, skaters, parents, the community beat manager, a community support officer and a council representative, who will take an active role in the design and planning of the park, with the aim of completing the structure in the next 18 months.

They will also be looking at trips and events for the skaters.

Community beat manager Debbie Harrison said: "Without a dedicated area for skateboarding and rollerblading, people involved in the activity look for other areas to use around the town. As a result, skating has become linked to problems of anti-social behaviour.

"It causes damage to pavements and street furniture and, more importantly, the areas that are used are often unsuitable and potentially hazardous for the skaters and for pedestrians who are not intended to share the same space. It's hoped that, by working together, we will find a permanent and lasting solution which will benefit everyone."