FAMILIES in Stanhope are pleading with the council to support plans to open a children's play area.

Residents hope to raise enough money to recreate a playground in the village, which was closed and dismantled early this year.

They are calling on Wear Valley District Council to cover annual maintenance and insurance costs of the equipment they plan to buy and install near homes in Ashcroft.

An appeal committee has been launched to raise the profile of the campaign and gather funds to pay for the development.

Member Harry Irwin, vice chairman of Stanhope Parish Council, said: "Play areas are vital and the council should be looking to support us wholeheartedly.

"The original equipment should have been maintained and replaced. People in Stanhope feel very strongly about how vital it is to replace it now and are prepared to work hard to do that."

But council officers advised against the proposal, which went before a meeting of the community service committee last week.

They said that the district already has a high number of play areas for the population, including one less than 500 metres from the proposed site.

Councillors voted for a site visit before a decision is made.

Head of Community and Cultural Services Max Coleby said: "The council is very sympathetic towards the request and members are very mindful of their views. But Wear Valley does have significantly more play areas than most similar authorities and it is difficult and costly to keep on top of safety at these sites. The existing area in Stanhope is well equipped and close by but the options are still open after the site visit."