COUNCILLORS in Darlington are urged to support a plan for an equestrian centre in Hurworth.

The riding school, on the site of the old Skipbridge Brickworks, would include 22 stables and a woodland area, featuring ponds and wetlands.

The application for the centre will come before Darlington Borough Council next Wednesday and planning officials are recommending councillors approve the development.

Ward Hadland Associates has applied to the council for planning permission to develop the eyesore site at Hurworth Moor.

The move has been welcomed by the local parish council as well as by the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

But concerns have been raised from neighbouring businesses that the centre would increase traffic along the narrow entrance road that is used by children.