CHILDREN from a Darlington estate have been quizzing their MP about his vision for the future of the town.
Health Secretary Alan Milburn met seven youngsters from the Darlington Children's Fund, in St Cuthbert's Way, yesterday.
They presented the Darlington MP with a report they put together calling for changes around the Red Hall estate, where they live.
The report identified key areas that could be improved. As a result of the initiative, a play area for 11 to 13-year-olds is now being built on the estate.
About 200 pupils from Red Hall Primary School completed a questionnaire which found 42 per cent of youngsters found the park boring and more than half wanted to see swings, slides and a roundabout there.
The youngsters also quizzed Mr Milburn about life as an MP and his future plans for Darlington.
Darlington Children's Fund project worker Catherine Purvis said: "It is great that the young people had the opportunity to meet Alan Milburn to question him about his job and its impact on the Darlington community.
"The research gave a clear indication of what they would like to see in Red Hall. There has already been significant progress."
Mr Milburn said: "Meeting young people from my constituency is a vital part of my work. Giving young people a voice is essential and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to answer their questions and look at the research closely."
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