A CONSERVATIVE councillor has added his voice to the debate about a vandal-hit park in Darlington by accusing council chiefs of ignoring complaints.

Councillor Bill Stenson says he is disgusted with the attitude of Darlington Borough Council over South Park.

The park has been repeatedly criticised by local people, who are appalled by its state of disrepair.

Darlington council is waiting to hear whether a £3.7m National Lottery bid to renovate South Park has been succeessful, and fears that making substantial improvements at this stage could hinder the success of the bid.

Coun Stenson, who says he has received several complaints about the park, said: "I am disgusted at the attitude of the council and the way they are not taking any notice at all of the residents.

"They need to be getting cracking and bringing the park up to the standard that it deserves.

"It is a very important park and it is a shame to let it go in this way. The town centre is kept well with flowers and such, but let's not forget that South Park gets an awful lot of visitors."

Coun Stenson said he would be writing to Darlington council's leisure services department to express his concerns.