Harlow Council's Environment & Community Committee - chaired by Liberal Democrat councillor Eleanor Macy - tonight approved the 'walled garden' in the Town Park as its preferred site for a new permanent skateboarding facility. The committee heard from representatives of local skateboarders and the Youth Council, as well as from the Town Park User Group.

The proposal helps conclude a debate that has taken many years. Four other possible sites for skateboarding were discounted - and an attempt by Conservative councillors on the committee to delay the decision still further were rejected.

Liberal Democrat councillor Lorna Spenceley pointed out that the present temporary skateboarding facilities were well used, and that the walled garden had been a preferred location for skateboarding for many years. She said that the proposals would benefit young people by encouraging outdoor sport and exercise, and asked the council to ensure that skateboarders were fully consulted over the detail of the construction.

The proposed site will need to be considered by the council's Planning Committee. Detailed site investigations and design work will also need to be carried out.