Skate-boarders all over York were rejoicing today at the news that an application to build the city's only skate park has been approved.

The long-running battle to build the facility in the Foss Bank multi-storey car park was won last night despite residents' fears about noise and disruption.

Councillors at a Planning and Transport sub committee for the city centre were satisfied that work to insulate the area against noise would be adequate after two noise advisers were consulted about the best form of sound-reduction materials.

Meanwhile a 'renegade' group of skate-boarders who have started using the designated area already, have been warned to keep out.

The skatepark will require at least four months of building work before it is ready to be opened to the public as a fully supervised facility. In the meantime, council officers said they would consider stepping up security patrols to deter trespassers.

The planning permission has been granted for a trial period of six months to start when the park is opened, and include the busy summer months so that potential disruption can be measured at the busiest time of year.

But Vivien Lee, campaigner and resident of Feversham House, next to the car park, complained about the lack of warning she had received about the application.

"We didn't know about it until it appeared in the Evening Press," she said.

"We are now here discussing a skateboard park which is already in operation."

She complained that it was a long time to live next to something which is a nuisance and said she would be carrying out her own noise assessment when it was up and running.

Coun Martin Brumby, chairman of the committee, said: "Whilst we're not providing any facility at all for our young people I don't think we are in a very strong position to criticise them for skateboarding illegally."

The proposed opening hours of the skatepark are: Monday to Friday between 4pm and 9pm, Saturdays between 9am and 6pm and Sundays between noon and 6pm.

Helen Kingsley, who spoke at the meeting and whose son, Alex, 14, will use the new skatepark, said: "We're just thrilled. It's great for the kids."