ANXIOUS council workers are getting security staff escorts as they walk the few yards between two office blocks because they feel intimidated by skateboarders.

Even though the distance between Kent County Council's two main office buildings in Maidstone is a matter of yards, it has emerged some employees have felt so threatened by the youngsters they have asked KCC's security staff to walk them to and from meetings.

To avoid collisions, some have taken to "booking" security staff to help them out, according to a senior Tory councillor.

The revelation came as councillors backed a £150,000 makeover for the large paved area outside County Hall. The scheme looks likely to spell its end as a popular unofficial skate park.

Cllr Kevin Lynes (Con), cabinet member for regeneration, who is in charge of the revamp, said the presence of a large number of skateboarders had created "a high level of attention and complaint."

In a statement to KCC's planning committee, which met on April 20 to consider the proposals, he said: "At the height of the problems it became apparent that some staff members were 'booking' slots with reception security staff to walk them across the square and back again unhindered."

But Cllr Roy Bullock (Con) said he was unaware of such problems. "If they do exist, there are other ways of handling them," he said.

A KCC spokeswoman said there had been several "unpleasant" incidents involving skateboarders and council staff, including the alleged abuse of a blind employee. On one occasion, police had been called to intervene.

As part of KCC's makeover, the area will be dotted with large granite or timber planters for trees, surrounded by protective steel rails, seating, an outdoor cafe and an area for public exhibitions of art or musical recitals.

But large parts will be resurfaced in raised paving - making it impossible for skateboarders to use.

A smaller, narrower area between Invicta House and Sessions House would be kept smooth, allowing skateboarders to continue. But this prompted complaints from some councillors that the area could actually become even more hazardous for the public and staff.