PLANS for children's centres in the most deprived areas of Darlington have been altered.

Darlington Borough Council agreed earlier this year to create facilities offering nearly 200 childcare places in total in the Cockerton West, Eastbourne, Park East, Northgate and Red Hall wards.

But, after talks with the Government Office for the North-East, the authority has been told to provide more group-based centres.

As a result, the council, which meets on Tuesday, January 6, is being asked to approve amended plans.

They now include 30 new childcare places at Mount Pleasant Primary School and 12 places at the area's Sure Start centre.

Firthmoor Neighbourhood Nursery is to become a 52-place children's centre.

There will be a 52-place children's centre, including Parkside Nursery, in the Park East ward.

The Northgate ward will be served by a 41-place centre in North Road. Nine other places, supported by three childminders, will also be provided.

Twenty new childcare places will also be available at Red Hall Primary School.