REGENERATION work on a rundown park is beginning to get under way.

The development of North Park, in Darlington, has so far added a series of security measures to protect the area from vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

A closed circuit television (CCTV) camera has been turned from a neighbouring cemetery to cover North Park, and hedges and a fence have been installed at the park's Whessoe Road entrance, to stop vehicles coming in.

A feasibility study on the future use of the band stand is ongoing, and work is due to start in the coming weeks on development of a children's play area.

Councillor Stephen Jones, chairman of Friends of North Park, said the changes so far had been subtle, but have made a difference.

"We are very pleased with the changes that have been made, but bigger changes are planned," he said.

"We are particularly keen to start work on the play area and get something in the park for children, so that is what will come next."

A meeting of the North Road Partnership, which will discuss the park among its business, will be held on Thursday, in Northland Methodist Church, at 6pm.

Coun Jones urged young people in the area to attend.

"We are really keen to have input from youngsters about what they would like to see in the park, so we would like to see as many young people there as possible," he said.