A COMMUNITY group has launched a campaign to save an historic park building which has fallen prey to vandals and drug abusers.

The Friends of North Lodge Park says the park's 100-year-old bandstand is in desperate need of repair after being damaged by vandals.

Group member Mollie Whitehouse said the park and bandstand in particular had become a magnet for alcoholics and drug addicts.

She said: "There's a big hole in the wall where kids have just kicked the bandstand to bits.

"They have ripped the floor up and the roof has gone.

"We have found all sorts of things in there, including needles and bottles.

"We have had alcoholics and druggies in there, though it's not as bad now because we have the wardens patrolling the park."

The group needs to raise at least £80,000 to restore the bandstand to its former glory.

Mrs Whitehouse said: "We just want to make it look decent and be able to have bands play there.

"Everybody uses the park and it's so sad that the bandstand is in such a state."

The town centre park itself, near Gladstone Street, is in line for a revamp, thanks to more than £250,000 from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund.

Improvements will include new play areas, upgraded security, teenage leisure facilities and cycle paths, but there is not enough cash to pay for the bandstand renovation.

Darlington Borough Council's parks manager Shane Shrimpton said: "Because it's a listed building, it's going to be very expensive to restore it.

"It could be between £70,000 and £100,000 and if we spent all that money restoring the bandstand it would mean not doing the basic things which are needed, such as improving lighting, footpaths and flower beds.

"We are delighted that the Friends feel so strongly about it and want to help. If we don't do something to the bandstand within the next year or two, we'll probably lose it."

The Friends of North Lodge Park recently organised a tree planting day.

The group invited people to help in a bid to encourage them to take pride in their environment.

The group is holding a fundraising day to celebrate the park's 100th birthday on Friday, July 4.

Anyone interested in taking part in the celebrations or anyone who wants to donate cash or join the group should call in to the Pine and Cane Shop, on the corner of Gladstone Street and North Lodge Terrace.