A TOWN council has promised to keep searching for cash to improve security at a Victorian park after its first bid for funding was turned down.

Shildon Town Council is assuring residents it will explore every possible way to pay for security cameras in Hackworth Park.

The town council had applied to Sedgefield Borough Council for a grant for the £100,000 camera system through its Local Improvement Programme (LIP).

It said CCTV could help stop vandalism in the park, where almost £1m has been spent on a five-year restoration project.

But the borough council said the application did not meet the criteria of the LIP scheme, which focuses on regenerating areas or buildings which are underused.

The town council asked Shildon residents to share their views on the proposed CCTV system and received 200 letters of support.

Though the public backing was not enough to persuade the borough council to back the scheme, the letters could help future applications for funding.

Shildon Town Council clerk Mick Waterson said: "We were disappointed that our application for LIP funding didn't satisfy the criteria and did all we could to encourage the borough to reconsider.

"But we accept the decision now and will refocus our efforts.

"We still believe that CCTV would be an important addition to the park, making people feel safer when they visit.

"Now we must look at other external funding avenues and will look at all grants available."

Mr Waterson said councillors want to see more families using the park, which is seen as part of the town's heritage.

Money has been spent restoring centrepieces such as the bandstand and fountain and a £90,000 skate park, a toddlers' play area and community centre have been created to maintain the interest of young and old.

But despite the efforts to revive the area, it has been plagued by vandals who have daubed the skate park in graffiti and started a fire at the park.

Mr Waterson said: "We know from the 200 letters of support that CCTV would make a difference to the use of the park and how people feel when they are there, so we remain determined to explore every funding avenue we know to try and have it installed."