A COUNCILLOR has moved to defend the new skatepark in Lyme Regis after criticism that allotment holders have reported problems with excessive noise.

At last week's Lyme Regis Town Council meeting, Cllr Derek Hallett raised concerns he claimed had been passed on by users of Lyme Regis allotments that the skatepark could "set allotments on fire with the noise".

Cllr Hallett added: "I have had a lot of complaints from allotment holders that we have very loud music."

Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, who was instrumental in the campaign to build the skatepark, came to the defence of the skaters and rubbished Cllr Hallett's claims.

She said: "I go up there every day. I have had allotment holders say to me on several occasions how quiet the park is.

"It really is not very loud. The kids are brilliant, they are really good with the young ones. I have not had any problems up there. Three allotment holders have told me themselves it is the quietest park."

The new skatepark was opened earlier this month at the far end of the Charmouth Road car park, following a long campaign dating back more than 40 years.

Cllr Reynolds did admit the skatepark needs a set of rules and called on Cllr Hallet to find out for himself whether noise levels are too high.

She added: "We do need a rule board up there.

"We are going to have a list of rules. One of the biggest problems is that they do not all wear helmets.

"We are going to have an official opening in May and I think Derek, you need to go up there more and listen."

The secretary of the Lyme Regis Allotment Association John Cook, said he has not received any complaints about noise from skateboarders using the new £150,000 facility and expected any issues to be raised at the group's AGM next month.

Mr Cook said: "I haven't received any specific comments about noise, although contractors working on finishing off the fence were energetically using their angle grinder last week.

"I was not over there last weekend, when I would think it could have been busy. If there are any specific issues, I am sure there will be a lively discussion at our AGM in about a month's time. Before that, the Easter holidays will no doubt create more activity.

"In the meantime, my personal feeling is that we should let things settle down so that a balanced view can be struck."

Mayor of Lyme Regis Cllr Owen Lovell hopes that some issues could be resolved once the town council is in a position to create by-laws.