FURIOUS Darlington residents have warned council officials that they will not be allowed to ride rough-shod over public opinion about controversial redevelopment proposals for the town's South Park.

Darlington Borough Council has agreed to reopen consultation about proposals to create sports pitches and a pavilion in the park after protests from people living nearby. The decision was made after councillors agreed in principle to plans submitted by the Cleveland Bridge company to create the facilities near the park's Bedford Street entrance.

They would be built in exchange for permission to construct 95 houses on a former sports field in Geneva Lane.

Residents living nearby were incensed because they felt they had not been properly informed, which persuaded the council to extend the consultation period.

At the weekend, residents who are opposed to the proposed development, made their feelings known about alterations being planned to the 100-year-old park.

Dozens of people attended a ward surgery held by Park East councillors Glen Reynolds, Cyndi Hughes and Joe Lyonette.

The three councillors had pledged to continue pressing the case on behalf of residents until the consultation resumed.

Coun Reynolds said yesterday: "There were about 55 people there and all the councillors wish to represent the views of the people they talked to."

Peter King, who has lived next to South Park for 27 years, said: "I have witnessed a steady deterioration of both fabric and facility.

"The current overhaul is not going to be enhanced by building on green space land.

"Allowing 95 houses to be built on Cleveland Bridge Social Club land in return for a huge sports pavilion, five soccer pitches and a cricket pitch is outrageous."

Objectors are concerned about a host of issues that the proposed scheme raises, including cars being allowed into an area where children play, and plans to build the pavilion on a site originally established as a play area.

South Park is undergoing a £3.9m redevelopment which is designed to restore it to its former Victorian splendour.

Proposals for the work are on show in the reception area of Darlington Town Hall.