A CAMPAIGN has been launched by young people in Rawtenstall to establish a skate park for the town.

Members of the Grafick skate team say they are forced to travel out of town to indulge in their passion for in-line skating.

Not only has the crew devised a video presentation, displaying their skills and the need for such a park – which has attracted interest on the Youtube website – but supporters are also in the process of establishing their own ‘Skate Rossendale’ website, which is set to go live soon.

There is also an online petition, which has been signed by a number of young skaters and adults.

A Grafick spokesman said: “Our home town of Rawtenstall currently provides no designated area for us to pursuit our pastime.

“If we wish to really enjoy our sport in a suitable area we are forced to travel out of town. This is time-consuming, costly and of great annoyance to ourselves and our parents.”

The skaters say they are fed-up of being ‘moved on’ from a various town centre locations and feel they are regarded as a ‘nuisance’.

“All we want is to have some fun, growing up in an positive environment, where our presence is respected,” added the spokesman.

No specific site has so far been suggested by the group.

The skate team’s plea echoes efforts being made in neighbouring Bacup to improve an existing park there.

Teenager Tom Hunter, from Stacksteads, has spearheaded the £500,000 revamp appeal and sent off a video appeal to Prince William.