POWER chiefs have offered a town a new children's playground - in return for building a new overhead line near homes.

National Grid is in talks with Redcar and Cleveland Council about putting money into Eston, where there is opposition to work going ahead on a new 400,000 volt power line which will be carried on giant pylons.

A National Grid spokesman said: "We are in a position where the decision has been made by the Secretary of State to go ahead. We have to be thoughtful and considerate how we carry out the construction process.''

The official who attended a "useful'' public meeting called by residents in the town, said: "The community did raise an issue about local projects and we have been discussing that with the council.

"It is a matter - it seems to us - of getting projects which essentially the community wants. What we have done is sit down and talk to the council about community projects which would seek to put back into the community and allow us to make some contribution.''

Councillor Ian Jeffrey, who chaired the public meeting said: "It was a well conducted meeting and people had an opportunity to get their points of view across.

"The sorts of concerns were about electro magnetic activity, concern about the numbers of trees to be felled and the effect the line will have on house values.

"There was a contingent from the National Grid who did their best to explain the situation, that there is no evidence to suggest there is a health risk.''

He added: "When the work is finished there will be less cable overhead and it will be farther away from people than at present.''

National Grid says the new line replaces an existing 275,000 volt line while sections of two 66,000 volt lines will also be removed.