TEENAGERS in Portishead are to be asked their views on proposals to open a second skateboard park in the town

TEENAGERS in Portishead are to be asked their views on proposals to open a second skateboard park in the town.Thousands of leaflets are to be distributed around local schools asking youngsters for their thoughts and ideas on providing a new skate park.The idea is the brainchild of the specially set up skateboard working group which was formed to drive forward plans for a new facility.A skateboard park already exists at Merlin Park and a number of potential sites, including the Lake Grounds, are being suggested for the second facility.Skateboard working group chairman Councillor John S Clark said: "By putting out these leaflets it will help us assess the need and requirement for a skatepark by young people."The leaflets will be targeted at a general age range of between eight and 15-years-old and ask them what sort of activities they would use the skatepark for - whether it be just skating or other sports such as BMX riding."Cllr Clark said the information would be sifted through and the results be analysed and fed back to the working party.He added that local residents would also be consulted about the location of the skate park.Sites being suggested include the Lake Grounds and a piece of land owned by the town council at the rear of Portishead Football Club at Bristol Road.An alternative site, land by the town's youth club at Harbour Road, has also been pinpointed for the new facility which is expected to cost in the region of £100,000.Cllr Clark said: "We will also be sending out a leaflet to local residents asking them what their preferred location would be for the skatepark and why.