Councillors approved a byelaw to ban skating in Barking Town Square last night.

Under the new byelaw it would be forbidden for any person “to skate, slide or ride on rollers, skateboards or other self propelled vehicles in such a manner as to cause danger or give reasonable grounds for annoyance to other persons”.

Anyone ignoring the byelaw would be liable to pay a £500 fine or could find themselves subject to a community order, however legitimate or considerate use of other wheeled vehicles such as bicycles, scooters or wheelchairs is permitted.

The decision comes of the back of a three-month consultation with residents in Arboretum Place and Barking Town Square following repeated complaints about the noise and nuisance caused by a group of young people who skateboard in the area.

A total of 61 per cent of the 94 individuals consulted supported the ban, with 81pc feeling that skateboarding had a negative impact on the area.

Only 1pc of those consulted were skateboarders while 84pc were residents in the area affected. The remaining individuals either worked in the area — at Barking Learning Centre or the Town Hall — or were visiting for another reason.

The report, heard at the council assembly meeting in Barking Town Hall, also claims meetings with skateboarders to try to resolve the matter, including implementing a curfew and suggestions for alternative venues, proved unsuccessful.