RESIDENTS of a market town are delighted with the results of a £50,000 project that has provided them with a much-needed recreational area.

Children have been given a place to play safely, adults can sit down and relax and wildlife now has a natural safehaven - with the development of a large, green open space in Richmond.

The site in the Pike-purse area has been created over an old quarry tip to a design drawn up by Richmondshire District Council's economic, cultural and leisure unit.

Debbie Sutherland, a mother-of-three, of nearby Conan Gardens, said it was just what the area needed.

"It was an old tip with overgrown bushes, nettles and broken glass - children would play there because that's the only place there was but it wasn't safe," she said.

"The difference now is remarkable. Children have an open space to kick a ball about and play and it is fenced off so parents know they are safe. Its also beautiful and peaceful, a real transformation."

Work on the new park began in March, with a number of studies and safety checks.

More than 1,500 tonnes of topsoil was needed to cover the area which now features trees, a covered wildlife area, open space and seating.

Gary Hudson, of the district council's environment department, said: "We hope that the new setting encourages wildlife to the area and provides a space that we know many people in the area were missing.

"It was a project that definitely needed doing, the site was an old quarry and a rubbish tip. It was disused and unsightly - not something you want to see out of your window."

The money for the project was allocated from a council budget created from private developer contributions.

Councillor Richard Dunn, deputy leader of the council, said: "It was used to purchase the land and to improve a neglected area, giving some much needed open space for people living nearby.

"The recreation ground has been welcomed by residents and provides a safe environment for youngsters wanting somewhere to play during the summer holidays."