A ROW has erupted over the upkeep of Great Harwood's new £150,000 skate park after the area council rejected suggestions it was responsible.

The park was officially opened last week by Hyndburn's Mayor, during the Easter holidays. It has jumps for skateboards, rollerskates and BMX bikes, and was paid for by Hyndburn Council and regeneration body Hyndburn First. But the row has erupted over who should now pay for day-to-day maintenance and running costs, which could be an estimated £4,000 a year.

Great Harwood Area Council has a proposed budget of just £1,050 for general maintenance work across the town.

Its revenue budget has been cut by Hyndburn Council, like all other area councils, to help the borough recoup a £1.8million deficit. Great Harwood Area Council also has a second proposed budget of £21,000 for major projects, such as a railway walk, improvements to open land at Charles Street and Moss Street, and work on the Towngate Clock. But this money cannot be used to cover running costs.

Hyndburn Council and Hyndburn First have proposed the area council take over maintenance costs. But this was rejected by Great Harwood councillors at a special area council budget meeting. Area council chairman Conservative Coun David Mason said: "I'm a bit surprised at this (request) being dropped on us during the first year. I don't think we're capable of funding the skatepark year-on-year. It's not worth the council coming to us for revenue when we have not really got a budget."

And council officer Robert Rushton said: "Yes. I'm concerned about this, too. I've had a maintenance and safety inspection quote of £4,000."

The area council can apply for additional revenue grants from Hyndburn's cabinet special revenue pot. But bids would be judged by the cabinet and nothing is guaranteed.

Hyndburn Council's Tory leader Coun Peter Britcliffe announced an extra £12,000 in revenue money, which will to be shared by the eight area councils. He said might help Great Harwood Area Council with the skate site.

"This is a massive boost for area councils and I'm delighted to be raising their overall revenue budgets by a third," he said.

"This money has come from Hyndburn Council balances, following recent savings and measures. It's wonderful news for area councils and shows we are committed to them.

"It's nice to be able to lift the gloom with some good news about finances."

But Great Harwood Labour Coun Susan Shorrock said: "This is the first I've heard of £12,000. I don't know the details of this or what is means for Great Harwood.

"But the point remains that we are going to be left with footing the bill for the park's upkeep, if this proposal goes ahead."