A NEW green space for residents in Chester-le-Street has been officially opened.

The £45,000 “pocket park” was created on land at Camperdown Avenue, next to Blind lane and Park Road North.

The work started in October and has resulted in an area that can be used by people of all ages.

Improvements made to the access track and creation of a surfaced, accessible loop footpath enable less mobile residents and parents with pushchairs to get around.

New fencing has improved the boundary of the site and new benches provide points for relaxation.

Additional planting, including a variety of trees and flowering/ evergreen plants and shrubs makes the site pleasant and attractive for people and for wildlife. A selection of informal play structures for use by younger residents are currently being installed.

The project has been led by North Lodge Residents Association, Durham County councillor Peter May and Groundwork North East.

Funding has come from Coun May’s Neighbourhood Budget and Biffa Award, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT), which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.