YOUNG Max Mallender is to appealing to his local councillors for a skate park, so he and his friends no longer have to use their village streets.

He has been invited to speak at Stamford Bridge Parish Council on Monday, after gathering more than 100 signatures from villagers to support his campaign.

Max, 11, who goes to Stamford Bridge Junior School and lives in Godwins Way, skates around the village with his friends. He said that they are not only putting themselves in danger from passing cars, but also risk hitting pedestrians.

He said: "I want to try and persuade the councillors to build a skate park for the kids in Stamford Bridge. It's not safe for us because of cars and we can easily crash into people wandering around doing their shopping." Max approached one of the local councillors a few weeks ago and it was suggested that he attend the next monthly meeting to tell the council about his idea.

"I've got loads of signatures, but I have to say I'm pretty nervous about standing up in front of all those councillors," he said.

Max's proposed site is on land next to the village sports hall, where a children's play area already exists.

Updated: 12:01 Friday, July 06, 2001