RESIDENTS in Horrabridge have slammed proposals for a new skate park in the village.

They claim the facility, which would be located at the Fillace Park recreation ground, would bring anti-social behaviour to their peaceful neighbourhood.

But the chairman of the recreation field trust, which has submitted the plan, accused objectors of having a 'Not-In-My-Back-Yard' mentality.

Alex Sharpe, who lives in Church Park, adjacent to the recreation ground, is worried about the impact the skate park would have on quality of life.

He said: 'People see this as a real infringement of the peace and tranquility we are used to.

'When we come home from work, we want to be able to sit outside and relax and this would make that almost impossible.'

He said a number of residents had written to Dartmoor National Park Authority, which is handling the planning application, and a petition would be forthcoming.

Another resident, Sally Hillson, felt the choice of site for the skate park, which would measure 20m by 10m, was inappropriate.

She said. 'I'm not opposed to children having somewhere to go, but why bring disturbance to a quiet location like this?'

'Most of us chose to live here precisely because it's relatively peaceful and child-free.'

She was concerned that youths might abuse the facility by drinking, smoking, swearing and spreading litter.

The planning application for the park was submitted in September by the Horrabridge Recreation Field Trust, which has raised £7,500 for its construction.

Robert Mitchelmore, chairman of the trust, accused the objectors of having a 'Not-In-My-Back-Yard' mentality.

He said: 'I must say these people have shown amazing foresight to predict these problems before the park is even built.

'They need a reason to complain, because they don't want the park anywhere near where they live.'

Mr Mitchelmore disagreed with the suggestion that the park would bring anti-social behaviour to the area.

He said it would provide a much needed facility for young people in the village, and would offer a safe alternative to skating in the road.

He hoped construction — to be carried out by local firms — would be under way before the new year if planning permission was granted.

'I would obviously be very disappointed if this didn't go ahead because a lot of hard work has gone into raising funds,' he said.

The application will go before the DNPA planning committee once a report has been drawn up taking into account all objections and support.