I AGREE with Chris Lloyd’s comments (Echo, Aug 12) regarding Darlington Borough Council’s riverside park – original stone from the Bishop’s House is sparse.

At the planning stage, the people of Darlington believed an oasis of calm would be created – with greenery and comfortable seating. A place to relax.

The seating has not been ergonomically designed nor is it aesthetically pleasing. The cement bases to the wooden slatted topped ‘benches’ already stained by drink spillage, and the crevices stuffed with soil, cigarette ends and food.

The new wood is already splitting, plants torn up and litter strewn.

Sadly, Darlington’s history and heritage is not exhibited.

Adjacent to our wonderful St. Cuthbert’s Church, the lack of sympathetic planning is startling.

To flag up a health and safety issue the short but steep and open embankment of the park, running down to the river is dangerous. Has this area been risk assessed? There are no barriers or warning signs that I could see, and a number of uneven cement blocks placed just above ground level is not a helpful addition near water, where the young would play.

Mrs K Devin, Darlington