A REVOLUTION in entertainment for the young could soon be speeding its way into Bolton. An enterprising builder hopes to open a skate park in the town for roller blading, skate boarding and BMX bike enthusiasts. But the park promises to be a far cry from Bolton's old Navada roller skating rink which burned to the ground in 1985.

This will be a state-of-the-art centre, with challenging ramps and dips to suit even the most experienced skater.

Gone is the old-fashioned style rink and piped music. In its place are bumps and huge craters creating an up-to-date venue for serious skaters.

In-line skating has become an art and it's a serious business according to partners David Rowlinson and Paul Higham.

They know the idea can work. They already have the Bones Skatepark running successfully in Stockport.

Now they hope to emulate that success at Middlebrook Mill in Gilnow Lane, Deane, used most recently as an outlet for the sale of antiques.

David, who got the idea for a skate park from his 16-year-old son Carl, said: "It's the ideal site, just perfect for what we want to do."

The idea for Stockport came when David was travelling into Yorkshire from the family's Alderley Edge home to take Carl to a skate park.

Carl pestered his dad to build a park nearer home. David researched the idea and decided to give it a go.

"Basically Carl forced me into doing it and I'm glad he did. It has been wonderful," he said.

The Stockport centre sees hundreds of youngsters through its doors each weekend and rather than posing a threat to the public it takes the kids off the streets.

David explained: "They are going there to do what they love to do, that is skate.

"They don't cause trouble, they are not drinking alcohol and they are not taking drugs."

Youngsters aged from 11 to 18 make use of the facilities and it provides a club-like atmosphere for young people, said David.

And the major boost for the community, he said, is that it keeps them off the streets.

"It is dangerous both for the youngsters, and for other people, to have them skating in the street," he added. "That's where the skate park comes in."

David, 50, said that a planning application for the 18,500 square foot mill, which will be leased from an Indian family, has been submitted to Bolton Council.

He now hopes the town's councillors will recognise the need for such a facility in the town.

The venture, if approved, will cost £100,000 and David is hoping it can be open for the school summer holidays.

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