Killjoy neighbours hope to scupper plans for a skateboard park in Borehamwood.

A group of people living around Aberford Park, led by Croxdale Road resident Gary Jacobs, are launching a campaign and putting together a petition in a bid to stop a proposed skatepark being built.

They are worried skaters will bring crime, noise and vandalism to the park and claim they could get 250 names for a petition against it.

"We are trying to get a petition together at the moment," said Mr Jacobs, adding that teenage gangs who currently use the park would beat up the skaters, then vandalise the skatepark and leave an eyesore behind his house. "I think it is a waste of money."

But borough councillors and skateboarders, who have long been calling for extra facilities for Borehamwood's teenagers, are furious.

The main reason for building the skatepark was to reduce crime in Borehamwood, as it would give teenagers something to do instead of getting into gangs, taking drugs and drinking. Skateboarding is already popular, with an unofficial track built by youngsters outside The Venue in Elstree Way, and would be a viable sport in the town.

Councillor Ernie Butler said: "The campaign for the skatepark has been going on for three years. As far as I am concerned it should be up and running by now."

He was angry Hertsmere Council was spending £250,000 over five years to spruce up Potters Bar town centre and £318,000 for improvements at Bushey Golf and Country Club, but would not fund the skatepark out of its own cash reserves.

The council is still waiting to hear whether its bid for Sport England Lotto funding had been successful. Dave Clarke, in charge of Hertsmere's parks, is expecting a decision from Lotto chiefs soon, and if the skatepark is given the cash he will apply for planning permission.

Mr Clarke was annoyed Mr Jacobs had waited until after the council's consultation to complain. "We have written to 200 people near Aberford Park, including Croxdale Road, twice, asking for their views." There had been front-page Borehamwood & Elstree Times stories, and residents' meetings had been held. "Nobody objected until the last minute, when it's already gone so far down the road."

Labour Councillor Frank Ward said Borehamwood desperately needed facilities for teenagers, to stop them getting into gangs: "If we don't do something, the problem can only deteriorate."

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