ANGRY Brighton Hill residents have mobilised against a proposed skate park in the suburb.

More than 150 people signed a petition saying "no" to the £75,000 facility to be built in the playing fields off Gershwin Road.

The council recently announced plans for the park following a consultation with young people.

The residents are upset they have not been consulted about the plans, claiming they first heard of them in a Liberal Democrat newsletter.

They are also worried the skatepark will attract anti-social behaviour.

Gill Helbert, of Novello Close, said: "It seems the council are spending our money on what the under-18s want, and ignore the wishes of those old enough to vote.

"Why haven't we been consulted about this?

"Everyone I've spoken to is against this. A lot of evidence shows skate parks attract anti-social behaviour, such as an increase in noise, litter, vandalism and even drug taking.

"We fear there will be bullying, and it can only be used by the older teenagers. We accept that this will only be a minority, but even the 18-year-olds who have come to our meetings say they don't want it.

"We are not against a skate park in itself, but believe it should be supervised, under controlled conditions. We think Down Grange could be a good place to have one."

A spokesman for the Basingstoke council said the youth leisure officer had received numerous correspondence from young people in Hatch Warren and Brighton Hill requesting the provision of a local skate park during the last 12 to 18 months.

A consultation period subsequently took place in January, when the youngsters expressed a preference for one large facility.

He said designs for the skate park are currently being drawn up, after which residents and the Basingstoke District Football League will be consulted over the exact location of the facility on the playing fields site.

He added that Hampshire Constabulary and environmental health officers had been consulted and were happy with the proposals. Work is expected to be begin next autumn.