PLANS to redevelop a play park for children in north Durham are to go on display.

The exhibition about the future of Delves Lane Park, near Consett, is being held at Delves Lane Village Hall on Tuesday, September 1, from 5.30pm and 7pm.

The proposed improvement work includes upgrading the current multi use games area, replacing the existing play equipment, creating a community garden and growing area, installing street furniture and improving the

‘nature area’ at the rear of the park.

Senior project officer Lynne Miller from the environmental charity behind the scheme, Groundwork, said: “The project aims to develop and implement a master plan that will transform the tired and run down park in Delves Lane into a well-designed, attractive space that meets the needs of the local community and attracts more people to use the site on a regular basis.

“A representative from Groundwork and local councillors will be there to answer any questions people may have about the project.”

Councillor Jane Brown, who represents the area on Durham County Council, is supporting the scheme.

She said: “Anything that will provide more amenities to the local community and for the young people, as the plans will show, are to be welcomed.

“I would want to support anything that is going to have a positive impact for all ages in the community.

“The play park itself is very underused and the stuff there is dated.

“I would really encourage people to go to the event find out exactly what is being proposed for themselves rather just listening to the rumours.”

The project will be developed in stages with the first stage looking at the creation of a community garden and growing space which will provide a training base for the Haggrid project which works with local young people and is delivered by Durham Agency Against Crime.

It is also hope the redevelopment of the park will help in continuing efforts tackle anti social behaviour in the area.

Neighbourhood Inspector Keith Wardle said: “We fully support the Haggrid project. They have done some excellent work in redirecting young people who are on the brink of becoming involved in a crime interested in horticulture and getting qualifications instead.

“The area is not currently blighted by anti social behaviour as it had been in the past, but this sort of thing gives young people in the area some community engagement and that is a good thing.”