A LEGAL row between two local authorities could result in the closure of a controversial sports facility.

One council is threatening to prosecute the other over the noise allegedly made by teenagers using a skateboard area at Woodside Park, Lymington.

It is claimed the rowdy youngsters are so loud it forced one couple to move house.

Now New Forest District Council could decide to prosecute Lymington and Pennington Town Council unless it takes steps to reduce the noise.

Any court action could result in the town council being ordered to close the skatepark.

However the town council claims the district council told it to provide the £40,000 facility to stop teenagers skateboarding in car parks.

The skatepark opened in 2001 and quickly proved popular but three years later the district council issued a noise abatement notice after residents complained about bad behaviour, foul language and the sound of skateboards hitting the ramps.

The issue was raised at this week's district council meeting.

Maureen Holding, Cabinet member for health and social inclusion, said: "A hardcore of residents are still complaining about the ongoing noise nuisance.

"One couple have even moved house because they couldn't stand the noise.

"If further monitoring confirms the existence of a noise nuisance we will have no option but to prosecute."

Cllr Holding said the authority would take court action unless the facility was moved or screened to contain the noise.

The town council has already drawn up plans to build a screen but 64 per cent of residents who took part in a survey said they objected to the proposed structure, which would be 40ft wide and 12ft high.

The skatepark occupies only a small area of the 45-acre park and is 150 yards from the nearest houses.

Town clerk Ray Jones said: "The district council asked us to provide skateboarders with a proper facility because teenagers were using Lymington car parks.

"We had to find the location and looked at 13 sites. We chose Woodside Park because it was furthest away from any residential properties."

Asked about the prosecution threat Mr Jones added: "We are meeting our solicitor to discuss the results of the recent survey and decide on the way forward.

"According to some residents there is a noise nuisance but we have had letters from other householders who say there are no problems."