A RESIDENTS' association is appealing for a play area near their homes to be made into a nature reserve.

Westbrook Residents Association in Darlington is hoping part of Brinkburn Dene can be designated as a restricted area, to protect wildlife that lives there.

Among wildlife seen in the small children's play area near Westbrook Villas and Westbrook Terrace are bank voles, bats, toads, squirrels and owls.

A spokesman for the residents' association said: "Because of the high level of crime and vandalism in the Northgate and Station Road area, the reserve must be protected by fencing similar to that the council has installed round the allotments next to the dene. This would avoid problems encountered at other sites, which would be worse in this high crime area.

"Because of the lack of wildlife cover through Darlington along the Skerne, this mini nature reserve would form a welcome safe haven and motorway refreshment station for wildlife passing through. It is already an important wildlife corridor."

The residents say the play area is unpopular with young people and say it should be put to better use.

The spokesman said: "The existing bike track and play area are very little used because of drug dealers in the area and with the relative isolation of the dene, mothers are loath to let their children play there."

The residents hope the reserve could be used to attract species such as moorhens to nest in the area, and restricted access for the public would ensure people could see the wildlife, but it would also be protected.

The spokesman said: "For a centre of town location this is a surprisingly wildlife rich area.

"It would be an interesting experiment to seek ways to optimise the habitat for wildlife, and attract a richer variety and greater number of species."

A meeting is being held to discuss the residents' proposals at the ASE club on Northgate, Darlington, at 6.30pm tonight, all are welcome.

Countryside officers from Darlington Borough Council will be present.