SKATEBOARDERS will still be given the freedom of Southampton's £50million Cultural Quarter - but must abide by a code of conduct.

A motion proposed by Conservative leader Cllr Jeremy Moulton called for the skaters to be kicked out of the area and provided with new or improved facilities.

However, it was amended before today’s Southampton City Council meeting by Cllr Darren Paffey, who called for the continuation of “positive dialogue” with the skateboarders, and a new code of conduct to be issued to them.

Speaking to the Echo before the meeting, Cllr Paffey said: “This amendment still proposes a dialogue with the skateboard users in Guildhall Square about the facilities within the city and how we can go about improving those.

“However, the Guildhall Square is a public space for everyone.

“There is a better forward which is to agree with the skaters how they can use carry on using public space considerately, mindful of other people, but not excluding them from something that every bit as their as well as the general public’s.”

The motion was discussed by councillors at Southampton City Council’s full meeting today before the amendment was pushed through.

Cllr Moulton said he was disappointed the motion was amended as it took the “substance” out of his fight and “effectively neutered” it.

Speaking before the amendment was agreed, Cllr Moulton said the area is set to become a “jewel in the city’s crown”, which was not intended as a skate park, adding: “Athough it’s a very attractive one to the skateboarders.”

He added: “This can be a win-win for everyone. A Guildhall Square properly looked after and for use by all and new dedicated facilities for skateboarders in the city.”

Discussing the motion, the councils’ environment boss Cllr Jacqui Rayment said she had already been in contact with officers to see how the council can find the money to carry out joint-work to meet the needs of the city’s boarders.

She warned it would not be a “quick fix” and nothing would be done overnight, adding: “We are committed to having a look at the problem and committed to talking with boarders to see what we can do.

“These are bright young people we want in our city.”

The amended motion is as follows: “Council celebrates the fact that the redevelopment of Guildhall Square and Northern Above Bar is achieving the aim of appealing to a broad range of age groups, and with the new arts centre due to open shortly, the council is keen to encourage all groups to use this public space considerably.

“Council resolves to continue the positive dialogue that has begun with skateboarders to produce them with a Code of Conduct, to continue to promote the Cultural Quarter as a place for everyone, and to carry on developing and improving facilities for skateboarders across the city.”