COUN Simpson-Laing is wrong to dismiss the idea of mobile skateparks ('York to get skate park on wheels', August 3).

Experience elsewhere has shown that these can be hugely successful in providing equipment that may otherwise be unavailable to young people.

Permanent skateparks can be expensive to install and getting the right location, particularly in terms of safety, is difficult. The findings of research carried out by the Young People In York Scrutiny Panel show that skateparks only cater for one particular group of young people. Far better, therefore, to have a mobile facility which can be enjoyed safely by young people from all over the city and can more easily take into account the needs and desires of local residents.

Coun Ceredig Jamieson-Ball,

Chair, Young People in York Scrutiny Panel,

Emily Mews, York.

Updated: 10:12 Friday, August 06, 2004