AN action group has promised to continue fighting plans for housing on the site of a former factory.

The group want to see a community open space created to provide a focal point at the heart of Dean Bank, in Ferryhill, on the site of the demolished Praxis textiles factory.

Sedgefield Borough Council obtained the land for development and has proposed a Sure Start Family Centre, plus housing and some open space.

The strategy went out to public consultation and the response from the residents was to form the Action Committee Against the Building of Houses on the Praxis Site.

The group gathered an impressive 532 signatures objecting to the building of houses and compiled its own set of ideas and proposals for the site.

Their portfolio includes plans for a football pitch, netball and basketball courts, play areas for children, an obstacle course, a bowling green and a community house.

A report on the result of the consultations will be presented to the council's cabinet this week, when the authority's planning officers will recommend no change is made to the previous plan, which includes keeping the housing element.

The report acknowledges the considerable level of objection from local people and recognises the benefits an open space would bring.

But council officers say such a scheme would need to be advanced as part of a wider package of proposals and would need to attract sufficient funding.

The report says: "Securing a site capable of accommodating new housing investment would assist to provide a wider choice of house and assist to diversify the community's social make-up."

Action group co-ordinator Joan Weston said its plans would benefit the whole community.

She argued that there was no need for any more housing in Dean Bank and said: "We are disappointed they are not listening, even if it is short-term, to give us a go at giving some ownership back to people and get the kids off the streets.

"But we haven't given up hope. Even if the recommendations get endorsed, the fight won't be ended. We will keep on going because I am sure we would be able to fund it."