THOUSANDS of pounds of community money could go into building a skate park or other facilities at a Yeadon 'no-go area' park.

Concerned residents have already complained of gangs of youths gathering in Tarnfields Park at night, drinking and taking drugs.

One father recently told the Wharfedale Observer how his son had been hospitalised after taking drugs given to him by youths in the park.

Aireborough Community Involvement Team (CIT) has been looking into ways of combating the problems in the park, and making it a safe and user-friendly place for visitors.

The CIT will now look at funding a skate park, it has been revealed.

Ward councillor and CIT member Graham Latty (Con, Aireborough) said that although no decision had been made, up to £9,000 of Community Chest cash could be available to build the new facilities.

But he said any bid would have to be backed up by funding from other sources, such as sponsorship, or grants available to such projects.

Coun Latty said: "We have not got down to deciding what we should spend the money on, and we must take account of the views of the CIT forum."

He believes any bid to provide facilities for young people in the area would be worthwhile.