WORCESTER'S only indoor skate park could close its doors within days because of a £20,000 bill.

Fourth Dimension Skate Park has to pay back-dated business rates, but its managers have not got the money.

For more than two years bosses have been trying to register the park, off Bath Road, as a charity, but communication problems between solicitors, the Charities Commission and Worcester City Council have caused delays in getting that confirmed.

The park, which is used by hundreds of amateur and professional skaters, boarders and BMX riders from all over the country, is already run as a charity but does not have official charitable status and therefore cannot get its rates subsidised.

Youngsters who use the park said they would be distraught if it closed, leaving them stranded for places to skate indoors.

Joe Sliwa, aged 15, of Spetchley, Worcester, regularly skates at Fourth Dimension. He said: "I would be devastated if it closed. I just really enjoy coming here."

Harry Rouse, also 15, of Spetchley, said he liked the 22,000sq ft park because it was less crowded than the outdoor facilities across the city, while James Lawrence, 15, of St Peter's, Worcester, said he enjoyed the fact he can skate whatever the weather because it is indoors.

However, George Fraser-Barker, who took over the running of the company in June 2005, said the park, in Orchard Street, off Bath Road, could close any day soon.

"It should have taken 90 days to become a charity, it's more than two years now," he said. "I cannot blame any one person for this though. It's the advice we have been given from various sources that was incorrect."

Mr Fraser-Barker said they are now desperately seeking a benefactor to pay the £20,000 bill and the park, which costs about £100,000 in running costs alone each year, also needs one more trustee to join the board in order to fulfill the requirement to become a charity.

"If this place closes there are going to be 200 people outside," he said. "What are they going to do?"

A Charities Commission spokeswoman confirmed an application from Fourth Dimension Youth and Community is being considered, while Worcester City Council said, although it has a duty to collect business rates, it would give the project as much time as it can to find a resolution. To help Mr Fraser-Barker call 01905 456455 or e-mail to coachgfb@btinternet.com