Chandler's Ford youngsters could be given their own skate park and teen shelter as part a major makeover for Hilting-bury Recreation Ground.

The proposal, including footpaths and security lighting, will be considered by councillors next Wednesday at the Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee.

Council officers are recommending that the scheme - which would be opposite the junction of Ashdown Road and Hiltingbury Road - should be given the go-ahead.

But controversy already surrounds the plan.

The council has received protest letters from nearby residents and these comments will all be taken into account before councillors make a decision.

Local area co-ordinator Andy Milner says that providing skateboarding facilities is an integral part of the overall plan to improve facilities at Hilting-bury Recreation Ground.

The skate park, with teen shelter, would consist of various jumps and ramps, along with new footpaths and security lighting.

He says that the current location has received the support of young people who feel they would like an area of the recreation ground they can call their own.

It has also got the backing of the local police who see the location as ideal from a community safety point of view.

In a report councillors will be told that there have been seven letters of objection from nearby residents.

Their concerns include:

The noise of activities being undertaken at all times of the day and night

Inadequate parking

Antisocial behaviour like graffiti, substance abuse, petty crime and general mischief making.

They say a better site could be found rather than moving an existing problem to a new location.