A PACKAGE of measures to calm residents' fears over noise and anti-social behaviour at an in-line skate park has been agreed by councillors.

They have agreed a £3,250 scheme to inject noise-dampening insulation material into cavities of a "half pipe" ramp and plant extra hedges around the site in Alkincoats Park, Colne.

Existing hedges will be allowed to grow higher to "box in" the skate park and form a natural sound-deadening barrier.

The skate park will only be open between 1.30pm and 9pm or dusk, whichever is earliest, and locked up the rest of the time, the council's Colne area committee decided.

The police called in extra patrols to the area following allegations of drug-taking at the skate park and councillors were told the situation had been resolved. A report on how effective the anti-noise measures have been will be made back to the committee in three months.

The skate park was opened in May and has proved a "magnet" for youngsters. "Ironically this popularity is the main cause for the concern of a number of local residents who are complaining about excessive noise and other undesirable activities," said Colin Patten, the council's parks manager, in a report to the committee. "There are claims by these residents that the noise emanating from the skate park is such that it causes them distress and prevents them from appreciating the peace and tranquillity they previously enjoyed."

Mr Patten said residents had some justification in complaining about noise problems and the council needed to tackle the problem.

An alternative suggestion that the skate park could be moved to Pendle Leisure Centre would cost £9,500.

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