PEOPLE fear asbestos buried in a waste heap on a disused Darlington industrial estate will be unearthed when the area is redeveloped.

A second meeting of the Cockerton Area Action Group, set up by residents to help to improve the area, discussed the proposed £75m West Park development atFaverdale by Bussey and Armstrong Projects.

The development will include 600 homes, a £15m NHS mental health unit, and a new ground for Mowden Park Rugby Club.

However, people are concerned about asbestos from the former Darchem chemical plant, being uncovered and how it might be removed safely from the site.

Caroline Houghey, from the group, said: "We want to know how this asbestos will be removed and how it will affect the residents if it is moved. Asbestos is, after all, extremely dangerous stuff."

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council, said: "All of that site will be reclaimed before any development takes place. Nothing will be built until the strict criteria for health and safety has been met. No-one will be put a risk by this development."

The plans will be considered by the council's planning committee next month.

The action group has also voiced concerns about work at Sugar Hill Park.

Vandalised play equipment led the council to consult local people.

In a letter to residents this week, the council said play equipment would be removed and the area grassed over, but the action group says that this is not what the area needs.

Ms Houghey said: "There is so little for children to do in this area. We want Sugar Hill Park restoring as a park for children.

"The council has said we can use Minor's Crescent Park and Branksome, but at Minors Crescent the children are bullied and chased away by older ones using the area to drink and take drugs."

The council spokesman said Sugar Hill could be used for informal play, with play equipment available at the other parks, which were within walking distance.

"The majority of residents consulted agreed this was the best thing to do. They didn't like the vandalism, so we have cleared it. They can still use it for informal play.