Feelings are still running high in Alresford over plans to site a skateboard park near homes.

Neighbours of the town's Sun Hill recreation ground say they already have trouble with noisy and abusive teenagers.

They warn that the development will drag the character of the area down--as well as the value of their property.

Residents say that while the town needs a skate park, they think Arlebury Park would be a much more suitable location.

Many say the scheme would mean the loss of a valuable resource, comparing the park to a village green.

Others question whether youths ever wanted a skate park in the first place--and some are so fed-up with the prospect of living next to the scheme that they are regretting ever moving to Alresford.

Mother-of-two, Donna Fitch, of Lindley Gardens, had only just moved from Kings Worthy when she heard about the scheme.

"We moved in August and if we had known, then, quite frankly, we would not have bought it.

"At the moment, it is a family park. Parents are happy to let their children play there but if they build a skate park, I wouldn't let my son go.

"I feel let down as a resident."

Orchard Close resident, Sue Penn, knows how she feels.

"I chose my house very carefully but if I had known what was going to happen I would not have bought it. The value of my house could be severely affected and the trouble is that now I wouldn't be able to sell it. I wish I'd never moved here."

Joan McGee, of Lindley Gardens, said residents were having the scheme forced on them.

"I don't know any residents who want it at Sun Hill park. I feel it hasn't been thought through sensibly."

Brian Tippett, of Derwent Close, thinks residents will be alienated out of the park by skaters.

"My analogy is that it's like a village green. It is a place where people feel happy to go and to turn it into an urban playground is a pity."

Tina Wilson, of Lindley Gardens, was keen to emphasise they're are not spoilsports.

"We are not opposed to children playing--I have a 13-year-old and a seven-year-old who love skateboards. But it is just not viable here for 101 reasons."

But, chairman of Alresford town council's recreation committee, Anne Hanson, is anxious to emphasise everything is still up in the air.

"Nothing has been decided yet and we are still consulting."