ALL my sympathies are with the youngsters who use Bolton town centre’s skatepark and have problems with people just walking right across the area.

This has been going on for some time and the youngsters appear to have had enough; they blocked up the entrance with construction barriers and a wheelie bin.

Pedestrians of all ages – often including mothers with young children – happily wander across the area on Dawes Street that was created specifically for skateboarders. Signs warning people not to use the cut-through are ignored and it’s a miracle no-one (skateboarder or pedestrian) has been seriously hurt.

It shows a real lack of respect by pedestrians for the youngsters and their own area. Just imagine what the reaction would have been if the situation was reversed and this was a bowling green.

So, please, take the short detour and let the youngsters get on safely with their fun.