A DRAFT plan to develop Hartlepool's largest recreation ground into a top sporting attraction will be discussed by councillors next week.

Grayfields covers 16 hectares with facilities for a range of sports, including football, rugby, basketball, outdoor bowls and tennis.

However, the standard of facilities at the site has been in decline over a number of years.

The athletics track is defunct, the changing facilities are basic, the play area is of limited appeal and pathways are in poor condition. The site also suffers from high levels of vandalism and arson.

A report to Hartlepool Borough Council's culture and learning scrutiny forum said: "Some progress is being made, and steel palisade fencing which was erected around the bowling greens has been successful in reducing vandalism to these facilities.

"A new play area is also due to be constructed later this year."

In a bid to find the best way forward for the site, Steve Wells Associates spoke to a range of sports and other groups who use the facilities.

They then came up with a draft plan of developments and a further consultation exercise was held last month.

Proposals included new changing facilities, new play area and the development of football on the site, including an improved pitch for league finals representative football, and meeting the requirements of the Wearside and Northern League.

It was also proposed to develop mini-soccer pitches, as well as artificial training surfaces.

Members of the council's culture and learning scrutiny forum will meet on Tuesday to discuss the plans before they are considered by the council's cabinet later in the month.

It is expected the development will cost about £1.25m.

The Football Foundation has been identified as the largest potential grant source, with the rest of the money being made up from the council's funds.

The report said: "Many of the proposals contained in the plan are long-term, and could take years to achieve. Some works, such as the playground and pitch improvements, are due to begin this spring.

"These developments, coupled with the plan, it is hoped, will herald a new chapter for this site.