PLANS have been submitted for a Sure Start family centre on a derelict factory site.

Sedgefield Borough Council wants to build the centre on the former Praxis textiles factory site in Dean Bank, Ferryhill.

The scheme would provide support for young families, including training, childcare and crche areas. There would also be an enclosed outdoor safe play area, next to a ten- space car park.

A report to the council's development control committee says: "The Sure Start initiative is gaining momentum throughout the country and aims to place vital facilities within communities where they can easily be accessed by young families needing support.

"The council's acquisition of the Praxis site and planned clearance of those buildings has provided a unique opportunity to look at the development potential of a significant area of land within this terraced housing area."

Some residents have raised concerns about the loss of open space, but officers say there may be scope for some open space provision.

The application will be discussed next Friday.