HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds is likely to be pumped into upgrading recreation sites across Sedgefield borough.

Councillors are expected to approve a spending plan this week that will pave the way to the biggest single investment in play areas in the borough.

Sedgefield Borough Council will spend £700,000 over the next two years on ten schemes, each with an initial £70,000, aimed at children up to 11-years-old.

Most of the cash will come from capital receipts such as the sale of land for development, including the Cobblers Hall housing scheme in Newton Aycliffe.

The first five areas identified for investment are Eldon, Newton Aycliffe, Chilton, Spennymoor and Trimdon Colliery and a further five will be selected for 2006/2007.

The large multi play area at Eldon Bank, Eldon, would form part of a new scheme and a slide at Central Drive, Middlestone Moor, would be replaced with new equipment. Future management and maintenance responsibility would remain with the borough council for both schemes.

Great Aycliffe Town Council has agreed to run a new play area at Scott Place, Newton Aycliffe.

Trimdon Colliery, which has had no permanent play areas since the removal of equipment at Grosvenor Terrace, would see the same site developed and it would be run by Trimdon Parish Council.

A new site would be created at the Miners Welfare Recreation Ground for which Chilton Town Council would take responsibility.

The move follows a review of play provision by the council's leisure services department working with the National Playing Fields Association and local communities.

It was prompted by the removal of items last year, including 42 pieces of play equipment in Newton Aycliffe alone, as part of a safety review.

Phil Ball, director of leisure services, said: "We recognise the value of good quality play facilities for youngsters, the European Convention states a child's right to play.

"It is also about trying to get people to be more physically active, improving environments, ensuring local people have a vested interest in it and giving families and groups of friends a place to socialise."

The proposals and financial arrangements will be discussed by cabinet tomorrow.