A SKATEBOARDING shop owner has called for improved facilities to be created amid ongoing discussions to ban the activity from the town centre.

The Star understands discussions over barring skateboarders from Church Square are still taking place as the authorities weigh up introducing a Public Protection Order.

The matter has been subject to a series of meetings between St Helens Council, Merseyside Police and partner agencies, and evidence is being gathered over the matter.

An order can prohibit specified activities being done in a certain area and a local authority can make one if satisfied that the activities carried on in a public place have had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality and is of a persistent nature.

In the past police have raised fears that pedestrians, particularly the elderly, could be injured by skaters whizzing around the paved area.

Now Allan Davidge, who opened the 51st Skate store at the Barrow Arcade on Claughton Street last November, says he believes improved facilities could provide a solution to the problem.

"There is no facilities in St Helens, with Victoria Park there's a bit but there is not a lot of stuff on the smaller side," said Allan, 27.

"It needs smaller ramps for them. They go to Church Square because they find it is better there because it's safer and it's flat.

"We'd like to keep it at Victoria Park, a lot of people feel safer in there. It just needs to be a better facility than what it is.

"It would keep them out of the way of the business owners and the elderly people who are shopping in the town centre.

"They just want to go and skateboard without getting harassed or have people complain and not be a hazard to other people. They just need somewhere to go."