TEN years of skateboarding at an East Oxford skatepark came to an end when volunteers had to pull down the ramps.

Hundreds of skaters have been left with nowhere to go as a permanent home for the skatepark is yet to be found.

Oxford Wheels Project, which ran the skatepark in Meadow Lane, wants to put up permanent ramps in Cowley Marsh Park - but has been unable to gain support from local councillors.

People who helped put up the park ten years ago were among those who took part in pulling down the structure.

Jack Richens, of Oxford Wheels Project, said he was disappointed that so many skaters would be left with nothing to do.

He said: "There have been lots of activities from within the camp and we are still putting in a formal planning application for Marsh Park which should go in in the next few weeks.

"In the meantime what we have been doing is petitioning the Cowley Marsh area, knocking on every door around.

"We've got a huge majority of support from residents around there which is very positive - but the councillors seem to be very much against what we are doing."

On a busy day, up to 130 skateboarders and BMX riders use the park, and there is a core of about 200 people, mainly aged between 14 and 17, who use the site regularly.

Mr Richens said the area had problems with antisocial behaviour before it opened - but the skatepark had a positive effect, keeping youngsters off the streets and engaged in positive, healthy activities.

The Meadow Lane site has to close due to flood plain regulations - wooden ramps are permitted, but cost £12,000 a year to maintain.

Oxford Wheels has spent nearly £250,000 on the site since it was first established, more than enough to construct a new, permanent skatepark.

Pensioner Pamela Webber, of Bullingdon Road, said: "These people are polite, friendly and help one another. They cause no trouble.

"They are only interested in improving their skills. They come from all backgrounds, rich, poor, public schools and comprehensives.

"It makes me so angry that there are people who are prepared to give their time and money to try and provide a valuable amenity for the community, yet the very community that could benefit from it do all they can to prevent having it."

Oxford City Council's Cowley area committee, which will decide the planning application, has said it does not believe a public park is the right place for such a facility.