VALE of Glamorgan teenagers are at risk from serious injury according to a local ex-skaterboarder.

He says Vale skate parks are a danger after carrying out his own safety inspection. But the Vale council insist that the parks are kept safe.

Steve Hunt, 37, from Heol-y-Felin in Llantwit Major, over-looks a skating park. Last July, he was astounded at the state of the ramps.

He said: "There are screws sticking up and jagged edges of metal all over the ramps.

After writing to the council I was told in the context of their maintainence, the ramp was safe.

"I've visited six other skating parks in the Vale, including the Knap and Penarth Leisure Centre. The only one relatively well maintained is Rhoose."

Aircraft technician Steve contacted the council again. A letter sent to him last December again said everything was safe.

But he added: "All these parks attract kids and should be looked after properly.

I've researched safety through the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) and the British Standards Institute (BSI). Either they're wrong or the council is.

"I've taken over 130 photographs of faults on Vale ramps.

I've seen kids with clothes ripped on rusty edges.

It's just a matter of time before there is a nasty injury. Assembly Member Jane Hutt is getting involved and I've also contacted the Health and Safety Executive to see what must be done."

Seventeen-year old William Dop from the Knap added: "I've cut my hand open on the metal and people are always tearing their clothes on the ramps.

But we don't complain because we think the parks will be removed."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: "The council is satisfied that work it has undertaken ensures that the skateboarding facilities can be used safely.

Following a complaint from a local resident council officers have, however, met on site with Health and Safety Executive officials and will act in accordance with any representations they should make."