A NEW £90 million shopping centre is having to spend an extra £20,000 to stop skateboarders an in-line skaters using its forecourt.

Churchill Square, Brighton, owners Standard Life are installing granite flower-bed walls at the entrance in an attempt to beat the problem.

Gangs, sometimes more than 20 strong, are using the forecourt as a playground, damaging street furniture and sometimes harassing shoppers.

Trouble flared on Tuesday when a security guard was attacked after asking two boarders to leave.

One skated away, circled round and punched the guard in the face.

The guard was not seriously hurt and police are studying closed-circuit television footage to identify the culprit.

Friday nights pose the worst problem and there have been several incidents reported to police.

Insp Steve Voice, central Brighton police commander, said: "We have had reports of assaults and minor damage and we hope the redesigning work will help."

He urged youths to use purpose-built skating areas, including The Level, and asked parents to advise their children.

Mall manager Derek Maddison hopes the new work, which includes new rails and arm rests on seats, will take ten days.

He said: "The area is private property but we want to maintain it as a safe and pleasant place for people to enjoy without fear of being harassed."

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