A VILLAGE'S water park looks likely to come under new management.

Middleton St George Parish Council has admitted making staggering losses on its water park, and is looking for a local fishing club to take over responsibility.

Members have contacted a number of local clubs and so far has received one proposal from Ferryhill and District Angling Club.

The club, which has more than 1,000 members, is prepared to pay £2,000 in rent to the council to use the park for junior and adult fishing.

The club is proposing to be responsible for maintaining the land, controlling the weeds in the water, appointing bailiffs to collect money and control access to the fishery and locking the park gates at night.

Council chairwoman Doris Jones said that having a club take responsibility for the park should help wipe out anti-social problems there.

The move would also be financially viable.

She said: "We are losing money.

"If you look at the accounts, it is staggering how much we are losing."

The parish council would maintain ownership of the site and ensure that it continues to be a facility open primarily to the local community.

Members agreed to consider more proposals before making any final decisions.