STEPS outside Colchester’s Firstsite gallery could be modified so skateboarders can use them without causing damage.

Skateboarders who have practised in the public square since the gallery opened six weeks ago have damaged the steps.

Rob Ellingham, who runs Double Cork, a skateboard clothing and tattoo shop, in Culver Street East, said talks were ongoing to add protective metal coping to ledges.

He added: “I am familiar with what skaters have been doing. When they go over the ledges, they leave a black mark.

“What we want to do is work with the council to see what we can do to keep it open to us.

“What they have done is accidentally create a fantastic skating area down there, but things can be done to make it skate-able and protected as well.”

Mr Elllingham, 36, said metal coping had been used at popular skating venues around the world, including at London’s South Bank.

He launched a petition asking for skateboarders to be given permission to use the area.

It will be presented to Firstsite’s managers and Colchester Council, which owns the public area.

Lyn Barton, councillor responsible for renaissance, said: “We are pleased at how well received the new public realm has been.

“As with any new space, we will be looking at how the area is being used practically.

“We are conscious of minimising any damage or heavy wear to the square so it maintains its appearance and functionality for many years to come.”

Bob Russell, Colchester’s MP, said: “It’s astonishing the experts can design a public space like that without thinking who might use it.

“At least some young people in Colchester are getting the benefit out of the building.

“Clearly someone hadn’t thought it through, which is odd because you only have to go round the corner to Lion Walk to see signs up saying ‘no skateboarding’ and the paving outside the gallery is vastly superior for skateboarders.”