Parents raise fears over safety at park

They say the facility, in the Denes, has become a no-go area for families because of broken glass, discarded gas canisters and old play equipment.

Members of the town's Liberal Democrat party did a survey of the Pierremont ward and found that the state of the green area in the Denes was the main issue raised by residents.

LibDem Mike Barker said: "The one thing they say above all else is that they wish the Denes would be cleaned.

"The place is a mess. The children's area is pretty decrepit.

There are old tins cans, broken glass and a lot of mums don't like to take their young kids. It's just a shame because most of the houses around there don't have much in the way of gardens."

One mother, who asked not to be named, said she had stopped taking her six-year-old son there because of the appalling state of the play area.

"I think it is filthy and dangerous," she said. "I was down there one day and I saw a lad sniffing lighter fuel under the children's climbing frame.

"The equipment is pretty tatty. It's not a pleasure to go down there and I know lots of mums feel the same."

The LibDems are calling on the council to stump up the cash to renovate the whole of the green alongside Willow Road, including the play area.

Mr Barker said: "They've spent an awful lot on Stanhope Park and South Park, as they should have, but some of the less central areas seem to be getting sidelined."

Labour councillor Marion Swift said community warden patrols had been increased to try to stop anti-social behaviour from youths.

"There has been a lot of work done and money spent in the Denes. The footpaths have been relaid and bulbs have been planted.

"But residents have to take some responsibility and use the bins provided."

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said the area was cleaned two to three times a week.

He said the issues raised would be covered in a parks and open spaces review due to be published shortly.