PROBLEMS of anti-social behaviour among the youth of Okehampton are likely to decrease if the go-ahead is given next week for a skate and BMX park in the town, according to police.

Officers say the proposed all singing-all dancing facility at the rear of Brayhams Terrace which goes before West Devon Borough Council's planning committee on Tuesday will be an 'excellent and worthwhile' venture for Okehampton and will help towards crime prevention.

The Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) has been working on the idea of a skate and BMX park for more than three years in response to a demand from children and young people up to the age of about 25.

The craze for these sports has not diminished over time and despite all types of temporary equipment and locations, the current situation is considered far from acceptable.

In a letter to the planning authority, youth affairs officer Keith Bowden said excellent community safety issues were being addressed by this park, which Okehampton Recreation Association has secured £25,000 worth of funds for so far.

'On a road safety point this will help to keep young people off the streets and thereby reduce road accidents,' he said. 'On crime prevention, we as a society are well aware of the nuisance factor and anti-social behaviour that can be shown by persons hanging around street corners.

'This venture will help reduce these problems and the location of the site within the town with easy access and away from the roads is ideal.'

Manager of OCRA Stuart Lord said a tremendous number of organisations had supported this project and it was a great opportunity to provide something for the youngsters of the town.

'Skating and BMXing are very healthy pursuits which interest an awful lot of young people and we have a very exciting opportunity here,' he said. 'Not only will it be the best facility for miles but it will be a much-needed outlet for young people in Okehampton — they currently have nothing.'

The skate park will be monitored by the police, youth workers and the town council, which has agreed to take on the maintenance and helped the project from the start.

Some concerns have been expressed by residents of Brayhams Terrace in anticipation of large groups of young people gathering in one area but the benefits of such a scheme are felt to outweigh these worries.

Okehampton Mayor Christine Marsh, who started the negotiations between the landowner and OCRA following a presentation to the town council from the town's young people, said it was very important to listen to the youth.

'Wherever I go around the county all I hear from young people is that they want somewhere to skate and ride. A place to pursue their hobby legally, just as we adults like to play golf, go racing or spend time on the cricket or football field,' she said.

'More and more we are seeing young people getting up and telling us what they want and we must listen to their needs. They have an awful lot to contribute to society if we just give them the chance.'

The skate and BMX park has been recommended for approval by planning officers, who say the facility is eagerly awaited by the young population of Okehampton, not least those living in and around Brayhams Terrace.