DEVELOPERS hoping to build on playing fields at Stanley have until the end of the month to submit their bids.

Derwentside District Council has issued the applications deadline for two sites at the Kings Head Fields and Murray Park.

The council's planning department has received a number of approaches from large developers who may use the site for leisure, retail development or housing.

The 21-acre site, cut in two by the A693 to Chester-le-Street, is presently only used for Sunday football matches, fairs and the annual Stanley Blues Festival.

The council has prepared a Kings Head development brief to promote the site to buyers.

A council spokesman said: "The brief outlines a number of uses that could be shown that they did not adversely affect the vitality and viability of Stanley town centre or the amenity of residents.