A parent and toddler group which is backed by the Government is hoping to part-fund a venture with a council to provide more play areas.

Sure Start, in Stanley, has already conducted a survey of the town's parents to find out what is needed.

The group says it may be able to access Government cash to finance a joint venture with Derwentside District Council. The authority has indicated that it would be willing to discuss any proposals with Sure Start.

Sure Start questioned its 138 members - all parents of children under four - about what they thought the town needed. Fewer than half responded, but 78 per cent of those that did said they were not happy with the provision for children under four.

More than 95 per cent said they would like safe outdoor play parks provided, 63 per cent said there should be play and learn workshops and 49 per cent said they would like storytelling groups.

Parents suggested possible venues including the Kings Head playing fields, the old Burns swimming baths site and the old dog track. Some suggested a warden be employed to ward off vandals.

Derwentside council has been criticised for closing down parks although one so-called "superpark" has been opened in Annfield Plain.