Skateboarding on streets in Helston must be outlawed before someone is killed, town councillors said last week.

The council is to push for the creation of a bylaw banning skateboarding amid growing concern at the number of young people using the streets and pavements in preference to the town's designated skate park.

Public consultation already carried out by the district council has not indicated strong support for such a bylaw and Helston councillors are urging local residents to add their voice to the campaign.

On-going problems with skateboarders in Godolphin Road were raised at Thursday's council meeting, when members heard a bench regularly used by pensioners had been destroyed by teenagers placing ramps against it.

Other incidents of damage were also reported, as well as an increasing noise problem.

"They are shooting out into the middle of the road and the danger is that some poor car driver will hit one of them and feel guilty for the rest of their life," said Tess Tucker.

"They say they can't afford the skate park, but that is total nonsense. What is more true is that the park is no longer as 'cool' as it was. It's far cooler for them to risk life and limb skating on the streets."

Members said the police were powerless to take action against the skateboarders and the only way forward was to create a bylaw targeting certain areas of the town, in particular the main streets.

"These youngsters don't seem to have any fear," said Danny Keay. "One of them will be killed and this town council will get it in the neck for not taking it more seriously."

Kerrier officer Mark Williams said this week the principle of establishing a skateboarding bylaw in Helston had been agreed, but early public consultation had not proved supportive of such a move.

The issue was "on the back burner," he added, but would be progressed if there was a more favourable response from the public.