A PROMISING young athlete has been told she can no longer use her local park for training.

Discus thrower Ashley Maddison, of Parkside, Spennymoor, County Durham, has been practising up to five times a week on Merrington Lane recreation ground for almost a year.

The park, known as the daisy field, has a discus circle and is just a short walk from her home. But Sedgefield Borough Council has asked her to travel instead to Sunnydale Leisure Centre, in Shildon, worried that other park visitors could be put in danger by her using the 1kg discus.

Ashley, 13, said: "I've represented Tudhoe Grange School, the district, county and northern region and am aiming for a top three finish in the English Schools tournament this summer.

"I train twice a week with Gateshead Harriers but need the extra training with my dad and coach, Clive. The daisy field was ideal.

"I asked the council for help to keep the discus circle clear, as motor-cyclists and bad weather have ruined it, but instead they asked me to stop using it."

Phil Ball, head of leisure services, said: "At Sedgefield Borough Council we do all we can to assist the potential of any rising sports star.

"I wrote to Ashley and her father advising them that first class facilities are available in Shildon, far superior to those at the Merrington Recreation Ground.

"Ashley and her father met an assistant manager at Sunnydale Leisure Centre and were shown around the facilities.

"They asked about further bookings and were told some notice of her expected training nights would be required and that with some forward planning this would not be a problem. These are safe and controlled areas, adapted for field events unlike the Merrington Recreation Ground where propelling a discus in areas where children could be playing or perhaps someone merely walking their dog could be put at great danger."

Ashley's mother Liz Maddison said: "We appreciate the offer of other facilities but it would be best to use somewhere on the doorstep for after-school training."