CONTROVERSIAL proposals to create a bowling green and pavilion were discussed at a heated public meeting yesterday.

Derwentside District Council, which promised to revamp facilities before selling off part of a public park, has suggested a different site.

The former green at View Lane Park, in Stanley, could be turned into a venue for live outdoor events, it was said.

But proposals to restore the former bowling green, in East Stanley, near the cricket club instead of the one in the park, have been met with anger.

Members of the View Lane Park Bowls Club feel they have already waited too long for better facilities.

A club spokesman said: "We lost View Lane Park and we have lost a full year's play.

"We have had to play all of our games away, and it is happening again this season.

"Nothing has really come out of this meeting, and we don't really know where we are going at the moment."

View Lane Park Action Group and North Durham MP Kevan Jones have accused the council of reneging on its pledge to invest the £530,000 from the sale of land in the park's regeneration.

The council sold a third of the park to Mistal Homes, which is creating a £5m residential home for adults with learning difficulties.

Now it has suggested creating a bowling green elsewhere and that play facilities are not needed Councillor Anne Taylor, who represents the area and is the former chairman of the Friends of View Lane Park, said: "For a number of years, the bowlers have asked to be relocated at East Stanley, and that is a consideration that we are taking.

"However, no matter what it costs, they are going to get a new facility and the remains of that money will improve the park.

"The public will be listened to, and that is why we have held this meeting to ask what their aspirations are."

East Stanley Cricket Club is in favour of creating a bowling green nearby, but would like some of the land turned into a five-a-side pitch for young footballers.

The regeneration of View Lane Park and where to site new bowling facilities will be discussed at a council meeting to be held at the Civic Centre in Consett tonight at 6pm.