A DECISION on a proposed sale of school playing fields to raise funds for a tennis centre in Darlington will be taken by councillors next week.

Darlington Borough Council announced plans earlier this year to sell land at Longfield Comprehensive School, a decision which has angered some residents.

At a cabinet meeting, councillors are likely to approve the plan, which must then be approved by Education Secretary Charles Clark.

Money from the sale is intended to be put towards a tennis centre, a proposal backed by the Lawn Tennis Association and Sport England.

In a report to councillors, director of education Geoff Pennington said: "Longfield has for some time aspired to improve the sporting facilities available for the pupils of the school and the local community at large.

"This has included two unsuccessful applications to obtain specialist sports college status, which were rejected due to poor existing provision.

"An option appraisal identified the possibility of using the proceeds from a potential sale of surplus playing field combined with a grant from the National Lottery to fund a new indoor Tennis Centre at the school and improve drainage so that all the remaining playing fields would be suitable."

A three-month consultation process began in March, with input from staff, parents, governors and the public.

The improvements to the school's facilities and a bid for a tennis centre rely on the outcome of a bid to the Lottery Commission.

But those against the idea and are protesting to the Education Secretary.

They say if the school and community continue to expand, reduced playing fields would not be sufficient to meet demand, and that the tennis centre would not meet the needs of the school or the community as much as the existing playing fields.

Residents also said development of the playing fields would spoil their privacy and views.

The council said that out of 88 responses to the consultation, 64 were in favour and 24 against.

Councillors will meet on Monday to make a decision