A FORMER quarry could be given a new lease of life as a public recreation area as part of a council's bid to create more open spaces for residents to enjoy.

Richmondshire District Council officials are hoping to be given approval to develop derelict land at Pike Purse Lane, in Richmond.

The authority's economic, cultural and leisure unit has applied to the planning committee for permission to transform the area, possibly with a view to providing children's play equipment in the future.

The filled-in quarry site, off Gilling Road, became the second area to be purchased by the district council from private landowners earlier this year.

The authority has already carried out improvements to a three-quarter acre plot of land next to St Akelda's Church, in Middleham, and is planning a similar project in Richmond, and a further one in Catterick Village.

After buying the land in Middleham, the council set about putting up fencing, repairing walls and installing dog waste bins.

Planning and development unit manager Patrick Earle said the latest scheme would see the grounds improved, with new landscaping and fencing. There could also be scope for creating a play area for youngsters at a later date.

Mr Earle said: "At this time, there has been no budget provided for play equipment in this open space area, funding being concentrated on the purchase of the land in the public interest, but as soon as funds become available in future, play equipment for this site may be considered."

Money for the project has come from a fund specially set up to finance schemes of this kind.

Mr Earle said: "The public open space is proposed to benefit the local community, and it is expected that this will, therefore, have a positive impact on the houses in its vicinity."

The application is due to be considered by Richmondshire District Council's planning committee when it meets on Wednesday at Swale House, Richmond