RESIDENTS have signed a petition against plans to create a school sports pitch just yards from their back gardens.

People living next to Whinfield Junior School in Darlington, say the proposed games area will attract trouble from youths gathering there.

They also object to floodlighting being put up around the pitch.

Darlington Borough Council is calling on the protestors to attend a meeting later this month to learn more about the development.

The multi-use games area is one of ten planned for schools across the borough making use of £1.1m from the New Opportunities Fund.

A council spokesman said plans were in the early stages although extensive consultation has taken place between planners and the school.

He said: "These proposed pitches will be used for different activities by both the school and the community. The Whinfield one is specifically for games of mini-tennis, basketball and netball."

A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16, between 4pm and 6.30pm, at the school.

A council spokesman said: "It is important that people go along to the meeting to look at the designs and talk to planners, architects and school officials to get their questions answered."