PLANS for a new skate park may mean the end of south east Wales' biggest annual charity fundraiser, organisers claim.

Controversial proposals to build a skate park in Abergavenny's Bailey Park are being described as "an absolute disaster" by organisers of the Abergavenny Steam Rally.

The event, run by the Rotary Club of Abergavenny, brings tens of thousands of people to the town each year as well as raising £100,000 for local charities in the last five years.

The steam rally organisers say the proposed skate park at the site - one of the options for its provision in the town - would take up too much of the park for them to stage their event.

David Yendoll, who chairs the Rotary Club's Steam Committee said "Last year we attracted in excess of 30,000 people to the town, so as well as raising large sums for charity, the commercial side of the town benefits greatly from the steam rally.

"This central area of the park is a treasure and must not be destroyed." Bailey Park is the last council-controlled open space in the town and Monmouthshire County Council is currently trying to attract Heritage Lottery funding to regenerate and make it more attractive.

Mr Yendoll said: "The Rotary Club has supported the council in its application to regenerate the park.

"However, we cannot accept a development of this size in the central activity area which has been intact for over a century."

The other suggested site for the skate park at Lower Meadow, Pen-y-pound triggered objections from local residents.

The council's cabinet will consider the site at a meeting on October 5. Liz Hacket Payne, cabinet member for community learning, leisure and culture said "We are doing our utmost to find the most suitable site for the skateboarders of Abergavenny. Both sites have potential but we feel it is only fair to consult in order to consider all possibilities."