EXTREME sports rolled into Ewen Hall on Saturday when Barnet Community Projects launched the borough’s first mobile skate park.

Theresa Villiers MP joined 100 local youngsters, councillors and church leaders at the launch of the skate park which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour in Underhill and surrounding areas of Barnet.

BMX bikers and skateboarders showed off their skills on the mobile skate park, which it is hoped will help to reduce youth crime.

Project manager, Steve Neale, said: “The launch was fantastic. We were surprised how many people came. There was a good broad cross-section of residents there, as well as the target group the project is aimed at.”

The skate park was adapted by Sergeant Simon Kelly, of the Underhill Safer Neighbourhood Team, after talking to young locals in Bells Hill who said they wanted somewhere to skate.

Sgt Kelly formed a partnership with Barnet Community Projects to help the young people into the community, relying on the help of Barnet youngsters to plan and organise the project from start to finish.

He said: “Most problems are caused by boredom and so we needed something to divert young people from hanging about on the streets.

“If the skate park works and attracts the kids the effect will be phenomenal and we can then take it to different problem areas around the borough.”

There will be four afternoon skate sessions running during February half term at St Stephen’s Church, in Bells Hill, and every Saturday onwards.

The Youth Opportunity Fund and Barnet Homes helped fund the project. It is now hoped to take the mobile skate park to other communities in the borough.