A WORLD champion BMX rider has given his full support to the controversial skatepark project on Teignmouth seafront.

Kye Forte hit out at opponents of the scheme, declaring: 'Some people cannot get their head around the fact that skate and BMX is not a sport comprised of hoodie-wearing dropouts and vandals fuelled by drink. It is just the opposite.'

The 28-year-old professional rider, from Kingsteignton, believes that sport is one of the best ways of combating antisocial behaviour and obesity among young people.

He recalls learning to ride a bike on Teignmouth seafront, which has always attracted skateboarders and BMXers.

But a group of residents have launched a late campaign to try and stop it, claiming the seafront is the wrong site for a skatepark. They fear it would cause noise and disturbance to people living in the immediate area by becoming and around the clock 'magnet' , leading to vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The campaigners also maintain it would deter holidaymakers and harm the character of the seafront area.

FOR THE FULL STORY GO TO OUR ONLINE EDITION