PLANS to improve community facilities in Chilton will go ahead with more than £200,000 in grants pledged towards the scheme.

With funding secured, Chilton Town Council can press ahead with a package of work to improve the physical landscape and sports facilities in the town.

The project, centred around Chilton Welfare Park, will see two derelict tennis courts refurbished and a floodlit multi-use games area created.

Two youth meeting points will also be created and seats, bins, paths and dog bins installed.

A £93,454 Local Improvement Programme (LIP) grant, awarded by Sedgefield Borough Council, and £50,000 from Barclays Spaces for Sports community sponsorship scheme will see the plans take shape in the next two months.

Cash has also been allocated by the Lottery Awards for All scheme and Sedgefield Borough Council's main budget.

The town council is working closely with environmental charity Groundwork to develop the scheme.

Town clerk Paul Gray believes the scheme will encourage residents to take part in physical activities, cut anti-social behaviour, strengthen community spirit and boost local pride.

The scheme should complement the extensive regeneration of the area which is being transformed since a bypass road was opened last year to cut traffic from the centre.

Stephen Armstrong, of Groundwork East Durham, said: "Our experience shows that people really value the opportunity to have a say in improving our neighbourhoods and make them better places to live work and play.

"Getting involved in these projects gives people confidence and makes us all feel proud of where we live."

The bid for an LIP grant was supported by the local area forum at which residents said they were excited about the plans because there was a lack of sports facilities.

Mr Gray said: "It will give people in Chilton something they haven't had before, top quality facilities and choice.

"It is just the start and we hope to look at recreationthroughout the town and welcome input from residents."

Anyone in Chilton who wants to make a suggestion about how local facilities can be improved is asked to contact Chilton Town Council on (01388) 721788.