HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds is likely to be pumped into upgrading recreation sites in Sedgefield borough.

Councillors are expected to approve a spending plan this week that will pave the way for the biggest ever single investment in fixed play areas in the borough.

Sedgefield Borough Council will spend £700,000 over the next two years on ten schemes, each with an initial £70,000, aimed at children up to 11-years-old.

Most of the cash will come from capital receipts such as the sale of land for development.

The first five areas identified for investment are Eldon, Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe, Chilton and Trimdon Colliery and a further five will be selected for 2006/2007.

An existing large multi-play area at Eldon Bank, Eldon, near Shildon, would form part of a new scheme and a slide at Central Drive, Middlestone Moor, would be replaced with new facilities.

Future management and maintenance responsibility will remain with the borough council for both schemes.

Spennymoor Town Council, which is working with the borough council on the plans for Middlestone Moor, has welcomed the news after years of trying to develop facilities for local youngsters.

The borough-wide move follows a review of play provision by the council's leisure services department working with the National Playing Fields' Association and local communities.

It was prompted by the removal of items last year, including 42 pieces of play equipment in Newton Aycliffe alone, as part of a safety review.

Phil Ball, director of leisure services, said: "The role parish and town councils will play will be valuable, where they take on responsibility for a site they will have a vested interest in taking care of it and ensuring it meets local demand."

The proposals and financial arrangements of the proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the council's cabinet today.