A FORMER skateboarder who is now a town councillor is appealing to young people to write to him if they want a new park.

Nic Peel, who represents the Tonge area, says there is a real possibility this goal can be achieved in his ward -- but he needs proof that is what youngsters want in the form of letters and petitions.

Fed-up skateboarders have already written a number of letters to the BEN about a lack of facilities in their area, but not in Tonge.

"There is a lot of regeneration activity in the area and money for facilities for young people," said Cllr Peel.

"Tonge councillors are keen to ensure that they do not miss out." Teenagers say they are being forced to skate on the streets because they have no parks within walking distance to enjoy their sport and Cllr Peel says many end up on car parks.

There are only two public skating parks in Bolton -- New House Farm in Darcy Lever and Rumworth Park in Willows Lane. A private skateboarding park, Bones Skate Park in Deane, is too expensive, according to some youngsters.

Young people are asked to write or send petitions about what facilities they would like in the area to Cllr Nic Peel, Members Secretariat, Room 220, Bolton Town Hall, BL1 1RU.