THE practice of young skateboarders using Amery Hill as a speed run has been described by one concerned local resident as Òan accident waiting to happenÓ.
So fearful is John Batten that one of the youngsters is going to end up under a car that he is calling on parents and local head teachers to take action.
He would like them to draw the dangers to the attention of children - mainly boys, who use their skateboards on roads like Amery Hill.
Mr Batten is terrified that the youngsters, who often come down the steep one in five gradient on their bellies, would not stand a chance if a vehicle were to turn out of Tanhouse Lane or if they failed to stop, as they often do, at the junction with the one-way system.
ÒAt that age boys just donÕt see danger - they donÕt seem to realise that a driver may not even see them when they are so low to the ground,Ó said Mr Batten.
While Amery Hill, Tanhouse Lane and Amery Street - also used as a skateboard run - are due to become part of a 20 mph restricted area , Mr Batten believes this will not make a great deal of difference to whether a driver is able to avoid colliding with a skateboarder who may be speeding down the hill, out of control and below his line of vision.
ÒI was a boy once and, while I have never used a skateboard, I understand the appeal of speed and having fun, but this is dangerous and I canÕt just stand by and say nothing,Ó said the Alton man.
Alton Town Council officers have reiterated Mr BattenÕs concerns about the skateboarders, agreeing with him that parents should take on board the dangers involved in their children using the roads as a playground.