PLANS for a games area have been changed in a bid to appease concerned villagers.

Community leaders said the original site for the twin sports pitches in Middleton Tyas, near Darlington, was too close to a sheltered housing complex.

Residents feared noise and disturbance from users and light pollution from the six floodlights.

However, a new site for the games area behind Middleton Tyas Primary School has been put forward.

District councillor Jill McMullon believes the new location has the support of most villagers.

She said a survey of residents found 131 households were in favour of the move, 16 were against, two did not want the games area at all and 78 failed to reply.

"People who live in sheltered housing need to be protected," said Coun McMullon.

"If there's an alternative and it can be moved a few hundred yards away surely we ought to be taking those steps without hesitation."

"It hasn't split the village - it has brought people together," she said.

An extension to the school for changing rooms is included in the plans.

The games area will be discussed by district councillors at a meeting in Swale House, Richmond, on Tuesday at 6.30pm. All welcome.