By Paul Cook from The Northern Echo 8th April.

Two councillors have demanded more play areas be opened in an expanding area of the town.

Husband and wife Mike and Gill Cartwright, who represent the Harrowgate Hill ward in Darlington, have claimed there is not enough provision for youngsters in the area.

They said soon there will be only one play area in the suburb even though planning permission has been given for another 101 homes and 27 apartments on the site of the former Beaumont School.

The couple said plans were being put forward to close a park at Harrowgate Farm because of anti-social behaviour.

The park was fenced off earlier this year following complaints from residents about the anti-social behaviour.

Coun Mike Cartwright said: "We have approached the council to explore the possibility of using CCTV, fencing and lighting to provide extra security for the site, although at the moment residents tell us that anti-social behaviour is not a current problem.

"This would allow the residents with young children to continue to enjoy the play facilities and would provide reassurance to those residents who have previously suffered with anti-social behaviour problems."

Last week plans for the redevelopment of the Beaumont School site were approved by the councils planning committee.

Coun Gill Cartwright told the meeting that residents had called for a play area to be built for local children.

She was also upset that money paid by the developer to provide local services will also go into a central pot rather than the ward.

She said: "If this play equipment is removed then, the whole play provision for the ward of 2,500 houses where a high number of children reside, will be at Bensham Park.

"This does not meet with the council's aspirations for the provision of play equipment as per the open spaces strategy."

The open strategy, which runs from 2006 to 2016 seeks to provide one play site for every 450 children and be within 10 minutes walk for the majority of children.

A council spokesman confirmed the council was considering a proposal to the planning committee to remove the play equipment because of problems with the condition and suitability of the site and not because of anti-social behaviour. Residents would be able to add their input at a planning meeting.

The spokesman added: "We are aiming to fulfil the open spaces strategy and if the opportunity arises for more play equipment in this area we will discuss it with residents."