WORK is well under way on a new facility for young skateboarders, bladers and "BMXers" in York - but they are being asked to stay away during the construction of the state-of-the-art area in the city's Rowntree Park.

Contractors began work to install the ramps last month, and the site should be ready to take the first skaters by Saturday.

A number of ramps of varying heights and angles are being assembled and the site is being re-asphalted to ensure a smooth surface.

The project has been co-ordinated by B&K skaters, through the York Youth Forum, and is being funded through contributions from three City of York Council ward committees - Bishophill, Knavesmire and Fishergate - and a number of other supporters.

The group also received a maximum grant of £5,000 from the council's £50k Fund. The fund is distributed biannually by a team of young people to projects which promote personal and social development and provide long-lasting benefits to young people in York.

Rachel Deadman, from York Youth Forum, said: "We are delighted that the skate park is so near completion. It's been two years of hard work and dedication from the young people in B&K skaters, but when it's finished, the Riverside skatepark will be a fantastic facility for boarders, bladers and BMXers across the city.

"As with any area where building is taking place, the skatepark site could be potentially dangerous and until the work is competed, I would ask everyone to wait until the Riverside is officially open before they check out the ramps."

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, July 02, 2003