Harrogate Council's Cabinet dismissed proposals to build a skatepark at four different sites across the town at its meeting on Wednesday night.

Despite hours of consultation, investigation and planning, drawing on the expertise of North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Police and youth workers, councillors said public opposition to each of the sites was too overwhelming.

The Valley Gardens, Oatlands recreation ground, open space at Harlow Hill and Stonefall Park were shortlisted as the most likely of 19 locations, but residents and ward councillors living nearby the sites said the areas earmarked for development were not appropriate.

Coun Pat Jones, cabinet member for cultural services told the meeting, attended by concerned residents and expectant youngsters, there would always be a debate about where to site the facility.

She said the scheme needed the broad approval of users and residents but that none of the four sites was sufficiently suitable to proceed.

Coun Jones said: "We realise that many people will be disappointed. The council is not closing the door on a skatepark, but we must ensure council tax payers' money is not wasted."

Harrogate's Liberal Democrat councillors called the decision appalling, saying the Tory Cabinet shed "copious crocodile tears" in justifying their decision.

Coun Pat Marsh (Lib Dem, Hookstone) said: "I think it is absolutely appalling that the Tories have not had the courage to move forward on this issue.

"If the Tories were unwilling to over-ride any objections then they should not have started this exercise in the first place.

"It has been a dreadful waste of officer time and public money. Worse still, our young people, having been encouraged to participate in the consultation, have again been ignored."

Coun Richard Cooper (Cons, Low Harrogate) said while he shared everyone's sadness, there were irreconcilable differences between residents and the potential users.

ashley.marshall@ypn.co.uk