YORK'S budget crisis has already hurt everyone with a car. Now it looks set to penalise residents who prefer a smaller variety of wheeled transport.

Since it opened in December 2001, the Zoo Skate Park in Foss Bank has been a huge hit with children and teenagers. From the off hundreds of young skateboarders have flocked to it.

There can be few better examples of a facility chosen by, supported by, and used by York's children.

But now it is under threat of closure.

That would send out a miserable message to young people. One of the rare new facilities created especially for them is snatched away for the sake of a measly £25,000.

For years the cry has gone out that York provides far too little to occupy its young citizens. Boredom, allied to failed parental discipline, sparks the sort of anti-social behaviour which causes so many problems in this city, such as the underage binge drinking we exposed yesterday.

Take away the existing facilities for youngsters and these problems are likely to worsen.

Meanwhile, council officers recommend that 60 part-time staff and a city youth centre should go. They believe this "streamlining" of the youth service, with more full-time staff recruited, will be better for everyone.

Have they asked the young people themselves?

Last month we reported the initial recommendations of the Young People In York scrutiny panel. It may have something to say about the loss of an army of valued part-time youth workers.

Councillors should find the money to fund the skate park, appoint a Young Person's Champion - as the panel recommended - and consult young people before undertaking major changes to their leisure services.

Updated: 10:08 Tuesday, July 06, 2004