THREE Darlington parks have been included in a £1m project to safeguard their future.

Groundwork North East and Cumbria has been awarded £80,000 to take part in the national Rethinking Parks programme which aims to develop new approaches to make the most of the country’s parks.

Darlington’s pilot project will involve South Park, North Park and The Denes.

It is just one of eleven UK projects taking part in the programme and the only one in the North East.

The 18-month project will involve Darlington Cares, Darlington Borough Council and the Friends of South Park, North Park and The Denes looking at getting local businesses more involved in safeguarding the parks’ futures.

Through the project there will be increased volunteer opportunities to inject new skills into the parks and develop new ideas to help them thrive into the future.

Lisa Locke, Darlington programme co-ordinator (Groundwork NE & Cumbria), said: “This a fantastic and exciting opportunity for all those involved, to explore new ways of how we can continue to look after our parks in Darlington.”

Businesses that would like further information can contact Ms Locke on 01325-353791 or email lisa.locke@groundwork.org.uk

Residents can also get involved by completing a survey at surveymonkey.com/s/DarlingtonsRethinkingParks