EAST Durham residents living near to a proposed play park were yesterday given a first-hand chance to voice their views on the venture.

The brainchild of local councillor Albert Nugent, the park for under-fives had been identified for a small piece of land in the Elgin Road area of Eastlea, in Seaham.

The proposed project was backed by Groundwork East Durham, but before permission was sought, it was decided to allow neighbouring residents to see just what they were in for.

And yesterday, Groundwork staff set up play equipment and brought along a group of children to use the area while nearby residents looked on.

"After watching the children use the small park, residents were then asked to give their views on the proposal,'' said Libby Mahoney, from Groundwork.

She said it looked likely that, with some reservations, most residents living near to the open space would approve the project.

Youngsters taking part in the day had to move inside the nearby community centre, where they enjoyed face painting and balloon making, after it started to rain.