Pleas for the return of a village skate park have been made amid an increase in anti-social behaviour - years after residents were left "devastated" by its removal.

A petition has been set up for a new skate park in Flackwell Heath, and more than 190 people have already supported the idea.

The village used to have a skate park at the recreation ground in Straight Bit but bulldozers moved in to demolish it in March 2013 despite residents fighting to save it.

At the time, Chepping Wycombe Parish Council said the ramps were too close to houses and did not meet relevant noise guidelines.

With a spike in anti-social behaviour in the village, including racist graffiti, damage to plants, bollards and vandalism, that was slammed as "appalling" by Cllr Luca Webb in recent months, a resident has now set up a petition to bring the skate park back so youngsters have something constructive to do instead.

Mark Davis, who set up the petition, wrote: "The last skate park was demolished and there is no where local for the kids to go and skate and be safe and off the streets.

"I was in the same situation 35 years ago and my friends and I successfully petitioned Slough Council and got one built.

"As soon as my 12-year-old son heard this he was straight out with his friend to get signatures.

"I have set this up to support them and I know many people agree it would be great for the youngsters of the village."

Nearly 200 residents have signed the petition to Buckinghamshire Council so far.

John Arkle wrote: "Hopefully [it will] get the youngsters off the streets and give them a safe place to meet up."

Maria Sewell wrote: "Teenagers need somewhere to go and be kids."

Lauren Leyland said she takes her brother-in-law to Henley skate park from Wooburn, adding that it would be "great to have one locally".

And Dan Holder said: "I used the old Flackwell skate park growing up and met so many friends in the local community and kept us of the streets and somewhere safe, enjoying ourselves, harming no one."

Jo Millward-Croft said children need positive activities to enjoy, adding: "You only need to watch the Olympics to see where it can lead."

There was uproar back in 2012 and 2013 when Chepping Wycombe Parish Council announced it would be axing the skate ramps.

It prompted a petition signed by more than 1,000 villagers to save it, but their campaign was not successful and the ramps were eventually removed.

To sign the latest petition, go to www.change.org/p/wycombe-district-council-new-skate-park-in-flackwell-heath