A TOWN park created to provide safe recreation space is being hailed nationally as a success.

Town Park, in Newton Aycliffe, has been cited as a shining example to councils across the country considering similar schemes or experiencing anti-social behaviour in parks.

Environmental charity EnCams and the Department of Communities and Local Government toured the park this week with representatives from Wakefield and North Tyneside councils.

The visitors were so impressed with the site, and its groundbreaking security measures, they are recommending other councils follow suit.

The £500,000 park, next to Burn Lane, was opened in November 2004 by Great Aycliffe Town Council.

The council worked with Sedgefield Borough Council to design a park based on residents' suggestions with gardens, children's play equipment, sports pitches and a skateboard park.

A priority was security to prevent the park and equipment being wrecked by vandals and to ensure visitors felt safe.

The town and borough councils installed CCTV cameras and employ two neighbourhood wardens to patrol the area.

Colin Mason, warden supervisor, said: "The presence of dedicated wardens in and around the park has certainly helped make it safer. There is little anti-social behaviour, vandalism or graffiti which is experienced in other areas, so the investment in the park is protected.

"Parents feel happy when their children are playing there because a warden is around to make sure they don't get into trouble and young people themselves are confident and feel safe."

Mel Mason, of EnCams, said the site is one of 12 across the country to grab the attention of experts, who share advice about creating safe parks.

She said: "The wardens and park visitors respect one another and in turn respect the park. It is a place people of all ages enjoy visiting. Young people feel safe because the wardens' presence prevents fighting and bullying, their parents are happy and people don't feel intimidated there.

"It is an example of really good practice so it is being shared with other councils.