PEOPLE living near the skate park in Victoria Park, Malvern, have been offered a seat at the table when management plans for the facility are drawn up.

The Victoria Park Residents' Association has called on the Town Council to move the skate park to a more suitable location and address the problem of light pollution by taking down floodlights.

Several members of the association attended last week's meeting of the council's management committee.

Association chairman Viv Shepherd said the residents appreciated the efforts made to deal with the problems but still believe the stake park should be moved.

On the question of the lights, Mrs Shepherd said one resident did not have to use her own lights at night as the floodlights already illuminated her rooms.

"She can't enjoy the privacy of her own home without it being lit up like a fairground. I don't think it acceptable," she said.

Mrs Shepherd also raised the issue of noise levels from the skate park, described as being made of the latest 'whisper technology' but dubbed a 'tin drum' by one councillor.

She said: "At the moment its pouring with rain, its cold and wet, and that's the only time we can enjoy our gardens."

Town clerk Stuart Mc-Donough said the lights had been adjusted for the third time by MEB and now complied with the planning permission. He said the situation should now be better. Councillors agreed to meet residents on site to view the lighting. In the meantime, there will be a block on bookings.

On the question of noise, Mr McDonough said environmental health officers had monitored the situation and concluded it was not a statutory nuisance.

Mrs Shepherd said monitoring was not carried out during peak periods of activities.

The Council agreed to approach environmental health again, even if it means waiting for finer weather to catch the park when it is most used.

Residents have also been told that they will be invited to contribute when the Council draws up its management plan for the park.