A BUILDING contractor is working with police to keep children safe near one of his sites - thanks to The Northern Echo.

John Richardson, who runs a firm in Darlington, is joining forces with Richmond police to dissuade children from playing on building sites during the summer holidays.

Mr Richardson's firm is building a community centre and playing fields at Colburn, and police had expressed concern about youngsters playing near the site.

After reading an article about building site safety in The Northern Echo, Mr Richardson is preparing leaf-lets to be distributed to families and schools in the area.

Youth action officer Gary Lewis, of Richmond police, said: "We have anticipated a problem with the site with the summer holidays coming.

"I am going to visit schools and youth groups to talk to the children about the dangers, and we are also looking at sending letters to parents asking them to keep their children away.

"Building sites can look like adventure playgrounds, but they are very dangerous and should be avoided."

Regular police patrols will also be carried out in the area.

Mr Richardson said: "I am using what I saw in The Northern Echo to produce leaflets telling people how dangerous building sites can be.