Youngsters who have upset residents by skateboarding on their village streets are calling for Bradford Council to build them a skate park.

Children in Thornton are bidding to turn a Council-owned site in the village into a safe place for them to play.

They launched the campaign after residents said skaters were damaging roads and making too much noise.

But the youngsters claim they use the village streets because the nearest skate park is two bus journeys away in Bingley.

And they think the Council-owned Hill Top Recreation Ground is an ideal location for a skate park.

"There are a lot of kids in Bradford who really want a skate park," said Liam Rushworth, 11.

"We skate on the streets but sometimes people say we're making too much noise. When we're doing moves we do bang a bit."

And Fraser Rhodes, 11, said residents had even called the police to move them on.

"Skating on the streets is not very good and it's pretty dangerous.

"I think a skate park would be really good because my mum would know where I am and it would be safer."

At least one youngster has been injured while skating on the busy roads.

And local residents showed their support by signing a petition calling for the new facility. Today campaigner Melanie Milnes - who is leading the fight to reopen Thornton's swimming pool - said the village's young people needed somewhere to play.

"We have no youth workers, no play schemes, nothing. The kids round here have had their hopes dashed so many times."

And Councillor John Buffham (Cons, Thornton) said: "The children are having to go as far as Oakenshaw, when they should be able to play safely in their own community."

Councillor Anne Hawksworth, executive member for the environment, said the Council thought Hill Top was the most suitable site.

She said: "If residents support it and planning permission is granted then we will work closely with the group to identify how the project could be funded."