YOUNGSTERS can influence how a council spends money on new play facilities in their community.

Durham County Council wants to hear the views of children and young people so they can make plans for a new play area at Bessemer Park, in Spennymoor.

The Department of Children, Schools and Families has awarded Durham County Council £1.1m to invest in at least 22 new or refurbished play areas over the next two years.

Year three to six pupils at North Park Primary School have already started to take part in the consultation process. Children have worked with an artist to design models of their own ideas of what a perfect play area would be.

Further consultations have taken place with parents, carers and children who are part of the Sportsability group at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

The council says through wide consultation it aims to ensure the facility it creates is fully inclusive and accessible.

A questionnaire asking for residents’ suggestions has been distributed in the area and officers will talk to youth club members at Spennymoor Youth Centre this week.

Caroline Stephens, youth development officer, said all feedback will help Durham County Council and Groundwork West Durham and Darlington create designs for the site over the next few months.

A public consultation event will then be held so residents of all ages can help shape the final design.