A COMMUNITY group has launched a campaign to save a park building which has fallen prey to vandals and drug abusers.

The Friends of North Lodge Park says the park's 100-year-old bandstand is in desperate need of repair after being severely damaged by vandals.

Mollie Whitehouse, from the group, said it had also become a magnet for alcoholics and heroin addicts.

"There is a big hole in the wall where kids have just kicked it to bits," she said.

"They have ripped the floor up and the roof has gone.

"We have found all sorts in there, including needles and bottles.

"We have had alcoholics and druggies in there, though it is not as bad now because we have the wardens patrolling the park."

The group needs to raise £80,000 to restore the bandstand.

"We just want to make it look decent and be able to have bands play there," said Mrs Whitehouse.

"Everybody uses the park and it's so sad that the bandstand is in such a state."

The town centre park, near Gladstone Street, is in line for a revamp, thanks to more than £250,000 from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund.

Improvements will include new play areas, upgraded security, teenage leisure facilities and cycle paths, but there is not enough cash to pay for the bandstand's renovation.

Darlington Borough Council's parks manager, Shane Shrimpton, said: "Because it's a listed building, it is going to be very expensive to restore it.

"It could be between £70,000 and £100,000 and if we spent all that money restoring the bandstand it would mean not doing basic things, such as improving lighting, footpaths and flower beds. We are delighted that the Friends feel so strongly about it and want to help. If we don't do something about it within the next year or two, we'll probably lose the bandstand."

The Friends of North Lodge Park is holding a fundraising day to celebrate the park's 100th anniversary on July 4.

Anyone interested in taking part, donating cash or becoming a member of the group can visit the Pine and Cane Shop, on the corner of Gladstone Street and North Lodge Terrace, for more details.