THE future of council-run play areas and open spaces looks more secure today after council chiefs outlined plans to retain the land.

Officers from Richmondshire District Council are proposing that most of the authority's recreation areas be kept under council control.

If councillors agree at a meeting scheduled for next week, the immediate future of many facilities in Richmond, Colburn, Catterick, Leyburn, Hawes and surrounding villages will be secured.

"The district council had to review its play areas, open spaces and recreation land as part of a central Government directive to all local authorities to review their property assets," said the chairwoman of the council's resources committee, Councillor Wendy Morton.

"I am optimistic the committee will accept the officers' recommendations so that all these areas, which are so clearly treasured by the public, will remain safely in the district council's hands."

Officers are recommending the council retains ownership of all playgrounds, except Arena View in Catterick Village.

The majority of open spaces, including the Friary Gardens, the Batts, the Green and Ronaldshay Park in Richmond should also be retained, say officers.

It is proposed that discussions are held with landowners, including parish councils, town councils and English Heritage, about the future of the remaining 14 plots.

Richmond Mayor Russell Lord welcomed the recommendations.

"We will be happy to enter into talks about the future of the pieces of land in Richmond that the council is not planning to retain," he said.

District councillor Stuart Parsons also welcomed the council's plans to keep control of recreation areas in Richmond.

"As long as councillors don't overturn the recommendations, the land should be safe for another year," he said.

"I would urge residents be vigilant to make sure councillors don't do this."

The asset review will be discussed at a resources committee meeting on Tuesday, from 6.45pm, in Swale House, Richmond.

Coun Morton stressed that the review is unconnected to the council's controversial plans to sell off car parks and office buildings in Richmond to fund its new headquarters