A SCHOOL in one of Darlington's most deprived areas has plans to create a sports complex for the town.

The headteacher of Branksome Comprehensive School, Howard Gilfillan, has visions of transforming the playing fields into a complex for almost every sport, with floodlit football pitches, public swimming baths, an athletics track and indoor games centre.

He believes the move will drive down anti-social behaviour, help to combat child obesity and bring extra income into the area.

The school, in Eggleston View, is taking its first steps by applying for planning permission for a multi-use games area (MUGA), with fencing and floodlights, to replace an existing games court.

He said: "Schools should be a part of the wider community. This area doesn't have a great deal of sporting facilities, but that is something we hope to change in the future. We have 33 acres - a prime site for developing sporting facilities. This proposed games area has been welcomed by our 800 pupils and the wider community."

Carmel RC Comprehensive School, in The Headlands, has also submitted application to Darlington Borough Council for a similar scheme.

PE teacher Simon Hannaford said the proposed £100,000 development had generated some concern about increased traffic from local residents, but had been welcomed by most people .

He said the school's facilities needed updating to develop outdoor tennis and netball.

The sports area will be built on a disused court, which can be seen from the windows of a number of the school's neighbours.

Maureen Clamp, of The Headlands, said: "So long as it isn't being built over green playing fields, I think it is a great idea. Any encouragement to do more sport and stay fit is good.

"It'll get children off the streets and prevent them from sitting in front of televisions and computer games all the time."

Branksome and Carmel are the only secondary schools earmarked for multi-use games areas using their share of £1.075m from the New Opportunities Fund.

Six primary schools in the town and Darlington and District Youth and Community Centre have also been earmarked for sports areas, with planning permission already granted to Alderman Leach and Whinfield Primary Schools.