SKATEBOARDERS in Manchester are to have their own indoor park only a month since the council's controversial decision to ban the sport in the city centre.

The PROJECKTS Centre opens in the Mackie Mayor building on Swan Street at 5pm tomorrow.

The centre will cost young people £5 to join and they will have unlimited free use for a year.

Proud

The park boasts a half pipe, mini-ramp and small street section. There will also be a chill-out cafe and decks for a DJ.

PROJECKTS founder Charles Morgan said the park would be somewhere young people could go to relax, skate and feel safe.

He added: ''We want to run something which gives skateboarders a chance to really get into their sport, but at a very low price.

''We are wanting to attract disaffected young people who hang around the city centre and maybe don't have much money, and give them the chance to skate.''

Speaking at the official launch of the centre, Coun Pat Karney said: ''We are very proud of this, which is the first skate park in the city.

''There has been a lot of publicity about the council coming down heavy on skateboarders but this city belongs to the young people just as much as to the older citizens.''

The centre has received £15,000 funding from Sport England which was channelled through the council's Early Years and Play programme.

Difficulties

It will have a paid staff of three and around 10 volunteers.

Many of the volunteers will come from the church based Message Trust which runs projects across the city.

The Trust's Matt Wilson said: ''We are delighted to support the park as part of our commitment to the young people of Manchester.

''If there are young people with relationship difficulties or other problems they will find someone to talk to at the centre.''

Mr Morgan and co founder Rosa Battle secured the funding with the help of the City Centre Management Company.

The centre will be open Sunday through Friday 2pm to 9pm, 10am to 9pm on Saturday, but closed all day Tuesday.

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