PLANS to develop a disused football ground should begin in earnest this year.

The former Ferryhill Athletic FC ground has stood empty since the club went bust about nine years ago.

The lease on the ground was initially claimed by the Vaux Brewery, but it became more and more dilapidated and attracted vandals.

It was put into an auction two years ago, when it was bought by Ferryhill Town Council for £25,000.

Now the council plans to refurbish the ground and create a football academy.

Members are hoping they will be able to start applying for grants during the next financial year, which starts on April 1.

It is hoped the Ferryhill Athletic Club, formed in 1998, will eventually be able to move back into a ground which fulfils Wearside League criteria, as well as develop facilities for youth football.

Youth football in the town is flourishing and a link-up with Darlington FC has proved highly successful in helping to reduce anti-social behaviour on a Friday evening when coaching sessions are held.

Town council executive officer Jamie Corrigan said: "We've got four big projects this year which we've managed to get a quarter of a million pounds in grants for. We have to finish a lot of these within a certain time and they have to take priority."