YOUTH leaders in Whiteley have vowed to make young people's voices heard in their fight for a new skatepark.

Niky Tyler, who helps run the community's 70-strong junior club, is rallying youngsters together to come face-to-face with parish councillors at a crunch meeting.

"We are trying to get as many kids together as possible," said the mum-of-two.

"They are all aged between nine and 13 and really want to see a skatepark in Whiteley.

"It's desperately needed because there is nothing to do here."

The parish council will debate the results of a month-long consultation by Winchester City Council into the proposal for the skatepark at the specially-called meeting on Thursday.

Campaigners would also like to see a tennis court and basketball facility included in the so-called multi-use games area next to the Meadowside Leisure Centre.

Details of the proposal were put on public display at the leisure centre last month and a survey carried out of homes in the part of Whiteley falling under Winchester City Council's authority.

The results of the consultation have shown a roughly equal split between those in favour and those against the project.

Members of the parish council have in the past expressed concerns that the skatepark will lead to vandalism, graffiti and loutish behaviour.

Parish council chairman Don Bate said: "On Thursday we will establish what people actually want - a skatepark or tennis court and multi-use games area. It is impossible to have both because there is not enough money."

Fareham Council leader Councillor Sean Woodward said: "I know youngsters on the Fareham side of Whiteley want the skatepark .

"We have pledged our support and agreed to pay half the overall £74,000 cost."

The public meeting will take place at the Meadowside Leisure Centre on Thursday at 7.15pm. Everyone is welcome.