SECURITY will be tightened in a £1.4m town park that is being targeted by vandals.

Blackhill and Consett Park re-opened last year after a major restoration programme, funded by Heritage Lottery and Derwentside District Council.

Youths have targeted the park and damaged one of the original features, a 'little boy' fountain.

There has also been a spate of petty thefts and vandalism to shrubs, plants and fences.

The district council has opted to install four cameras.

Council leader Alex Watson said: "This step will no doubt act as a massive deterrent to would-be vandals.

"It has proved to be essential because of the petty vandalism. It is important that all our parks are safe for people to use."

As part of the second phase to the park restoration, the council is building a new car park in Laburnum Avenue.

Coun Watson said: "The car park was a controversial issue but it is needed to keep vehicles off the street.

"It had become highly dangerous with people double parking.

"While some residents are resentful, a lot of people are appreciative, because of the dangers this on-street parking had caused."

Up to £200,000 will be spent on security cameras elsewhere in Derwentside.

The district council's development control committee gave the go-ahead for nine cameras in Consett, Leadgate and Stanley.

Cameras will be put up in known trouble spots.

Coun Watson said: "We are committed to combating crime and addressing the fear of crime. These cameras will go in the hot spots where we know we have problems."

The local authority put forward just over half the cash for the scheme. The rest was a grant from the Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme.

Three cameras will go up in Blackhill - one in Derwent Street car park, one in Howden and a third in Pleasant View, Bridgehill.

A further three will go in Leadgate - in Front Street, behind the community centre in Plantation Street and in St Ives Road.

In South Stanley, cameras are earmarked for the shopping centre, Holly Hill Gardens, Burnside Resource Centre, Mendip Terrace and the junction of Engles Terrace and Cotswold Terrace.