A SKATEBOARD park could be created to cater for dozens of youths who ignore Worcester's by-laws.

Two police officers are considering whether to ask businesses in the city for donations to pay for a park.

At the moment skaters regularly head for the High Street, the Chamber of Commerce buildings in Castle Street, or the Crown Court in Foregate Street to perform.

"We're keeping an open mind at this stage as it's very early on, but we're looking for a site that any of the kids could get to," said PC Nick Stinton, the beat manager for Barbourne, Northwick and Claines.

He has been working on the project with PC Danian Lowe, the beat manager for the city centre.

"Two sites have been suggested already - Tallow Hill and Perdiswell," said PC Stinton, who confirmed members of the public had complained about the nuisance posed by skaters and blamed them for vandalism.

"The bylaws say they shouldn't be skating, but we take the view it would be better to have a place where they can go.

"The question is, who's going to pay for it?

"We've spoken to the skaters and said we'd be grateful if they stayed away, from the Elgar Statue in particular."

PC Stinton said the police's efforts had succeeded in diverting most of the skaters away from the Cathedral end of the High Street.

But up to 70 youths could be found honing their skills in the car park around Worcester Crown Court on Saturdays.

"We're looking for funding, but we aren't saying Worcester City Council should pay for it," he said.

"They haven't got pots of money. Instead we'd welcome the offer of money from local businesses."

Worcester City Council said that it is working with the police to try and find a suitable location.

"I think it's always good when police take an interest in the youngsters," said community development manager Dave Clifford.

"At the moment we're looking at what other councils have done as well as seeing if there are any areas in the city centre that could be made available."