WORK has begun to provide youngsters in a Hampshire village with a brand new state-of-the-art skatepark.

The facility in Stubbington is one of five that Fareham Borough Council is determined to see built in response to rising demand from youths.

In Stubbington, contractors are hard at work clearing the site at the recreation ground in Bells Lane. When complete it will offer ramps and a multi-use-games-area (Muga) in which people can play netball, basketball and five-a-side football.

Fareham Borough's councillor for Stubbington, Kay Mandry, said it would be a welcome resource in the community but added that its placing had not been without controversy.

Residents of neighbouring Crofton Court previously expressed anger at the scale of the facility along with the noise and any antisocial behaviour it may produce.

While members of the Fareham and Gosport Football League also said they were upset at the loss of one of the four football pitches at the recreation grounds to provide the facility.

Mr Mandry said: "We believe we have resolved these concerns by initially downsizing the skatepark and we will also be installing CCTV nearby. The footballers have also found new pitches at Seafield Park and everyone seems quite happy about this.

"It will be an important facility for the youngsters of Stubbington and we have their backing I know many can't wait until it opens.

"We think it will be the middle of September when work is complete."

Fareham Council is building five skateparks around the borough at a cost of £46,000 each.

They have already completed a park in Portchester, work has begun in Stubbington but stalled in Whiteley because of a dispute over where a new school will be built.

There are further plans for skateparks in Locks Heath and Fareham town centre.