COUNCILLORS hope to highlight their concerns about a village's play area in an audit.

Members of Sadberge Parish Council want to draw attention to the problems the village has with its waterlogged and under-equipped children's park.

Darlington Borough Council's audit of green spaces has given them an opportunity to speak out about their concerns.

The council has sent out questionnaires to all parish councils, to gather views on the safety and attractiveness of open green spaces and any facilities for children.

Councillor Millie Scaife, chairwoman of Sadberge Parish Council, said: "I think this is an opportunity to pose our concerns about the play area to the borough council, because it is in a bad state.

"I think it is in the wrong place and it is a disgrace. It can't be used as a play area. It is always flooded and it is too near the main road."

While Darlington council has promised the village new play equipment either this financial year or next, local councillors want to see the area drained and fenced off before that work is carried out.

Parish councillors at Middleton St George, which lies just a few miles from Sadberge, have set up a sub-committee to decide how best to tackle the questionnaire.

It will consider at least three of its green spaces - the playing fields, the allotments and the water park.